The 2025 Sunrise Arabia event revealed the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia’s PV market with significant investments and plans for large energy storage. Industry leaders discussed the potential for PV energy to surpass gas in the region while also addressing challenges and the need for skilled labor. Progress in localization, manufacturing, and battery usage were key focuses, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving its renewable energy goals.

The 2025 Sunrise Arabia event showcased significant advancements in Saudi Arabia’s photovoltaic (PV) market, signaling a robust growth trajectory in solar energy. Notable announcements included the establishment of new factories and allocation of vast storage and solar capacities, alongside unprecedented investment levels.
Eckhart Gouras, CEO of pv magazine, emphasized the Gulf Region’s potential to ramp up PV energy production from 140 TWh to over 600 TWh over the next 16 years, positioning it as a strong competitor to natural gas, which currently dominates energy generation. The transition to renewables is projected to reduce the gas share of electricity demand to around 40% by this time.
Moneef Barakat, CEO of Solarabic, indicated that Saudi Arabia is set to integrate 30 to 40 GWh of energy storage into its grid infrastructure. Additionally, robust growth is anticipated in the deployment of electric vehicle chargers. This will foster a favorable environment for Saudi Arabia to emerge as a key manufacturing hub for solar technology in the Gulf Region.
Hani Balfass of Gulf Renewable Laboratory elaborated on Saudi Arabia’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. With renewable energy constituting 50% of the country’s electricity mix by 2030, increasing funding and innovative financial solutions will be essential to meet these ambitious targets.
The event featured collaboration announcements, including a partnership between Gulf Renewable Energy Laboratory and the pv magazine Group aimed at conducting solar module tests in Saudi Arabia, a historic first outside China.
The day’s discussions encompassed strategies to foster a sustainable ecosystem, emphasizing the synergy between large-scale energy developments and localized initiatives. Industry leaders highlighted the need for government support to maintain momentum in investments, innovation, and sustainability.
Moreover, clear regulatory frameworks were praised for driving growth in the Saudi PV market, while decreasing solar panel costs contributed positively to the landscape. Local manufacturing is anticipated to stabilize pricing amidst rapid technological advancements and challenging environmental conditions.
The burgeoning battery energy storage sector in Saudi Arabia is distinctive due to its simultaneous growth alongside solar deployments, aiming to address peak demand, particularly during the summer. Industry experts predict that Saudi Arabia will soon become the third-largest battery storage market globally, trailing only China and the United States.
Peter Pan of Trina Solar introduced innovative technologies designed to withstand the harsh climate, ensuring reliability and efficiency in local conditions. Projects incorporating battery energy storage systems are expanding, illustrating a significant evolution in the nation’s energy management strategies.
Panel discussions identified the talent gap as a pressing issue in the battery storage sector. Academia-industry collaborations are crucial in nurturing skilled labor to support this growing field.
The localization of manufacturing for photovoltaic technologies is poised to mitigate risks and bolster the industry’s resilience. Notable deals, such as Jinko Solar’s establishment of a 10 GW cell and module facility, signify Saudi Arabia’s rising profile in global renewable energy markets.
Regulatory changes have facilitated foreign investments, expediting the process for securing manufacturing licenses. Companies like PV Hardware have quickly established local manufacturing capabilities, emphasizing their commitment to high-quality technology and compliance with local content regulations.
The commercial and industrial (C&I) sector in Saudi Arabia demonstrates burgeoning potential beyond storage solutions, driven by favorable conditions such as abundant solar resources and competitive pricing.
In conclusion, the Sunrise Arabia event underscored Saudi Arabia’s rapid clean energy transformation, with significant investments in manufacturing and grid-scale storage shaping a promising future for the nation’s renewable energy sector. With continued localization efforts and strategic partnerships, Saudi Arabia is poised for unprecedented growth in the clean energy landscape.

The 2025 Sunrise Arabia event highlighted Saudi Arabia’s significant progress in the photovoltaic sector, marked by large-scale investments, advancements in energy storage, and a commitment to localization. Industry leaders affirmed that meeting future energy demands while transitioning to renewables requires enhanced funding and stakeholder collaboration. Continuing these efforts will solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in the global clean energy transition.

Original Source: www.pv-magazine.com

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