EqualOcean report that on August 13, 2024, CEEC has secured a contract to build a 2 GW solar project in Saudi Arabia. The Haden 2 GW solar project is valued at around USD 972 million, and was signed by three subsidiaries of China Energy Engineering Group with ACWA Power, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Saudi Aramco Power in Saudi Arabia. The project covers engineering design, equipment procurement, transportation, installation, civil works, transmission lines, substations, and power plant grid connection and commissioning, with an estimated construction period of around 31 months.
CEEC stated that the project is expected to begin commercial operation in early 2027. Upon completion, it is estimated to generate around 156 billion kWh of electricity over 25 years, reducing nearly 147 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, thereby helping Saudi Arabia achieve its goal of net zero emissions by 2060. The China Photovoltaic Industry Association said that in the first half, the total export value of China's PV products reached $18.67 billion, with modules accounting for about 87 percent. The Saudi Arabian market, in particular, saw significant growth, becoming China's fifth-largest export market for modules in the first half, up from outside the top 10 in the same period last year.