ACWA Power and Huawei Digital Power Collaborate for Renewable Energy Innovation in Saudi Arabia.

June 16, 2023: ACWA Power, a company specializing in power generation, water desalination, and green hydrogen plants, has taken a significant step toward advancing renewable energy in Saudi Arabia. They have signed a memorandum of understanding with Huawei Digital Power, a leading provider of digital power solutions. Together, they aim to establish a joint-innovation program that will drive the growth of local industries and accelerate Saudi Arabia’s decarbonization goals.

The collaboration between ACWA Power and Huawei Digital Power focuses on developing cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency and reduce costs associated with renewable energy projects. By combining their expertise and resources, the partnership aims to drive progress in renewable energy production and storage, paving the way for a sustainable and economically prosperous future.

Thomas Altmann, EVP of Innovation & New Technology at ACWA Power, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving renewable energy goals and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. He expressed excitement about partnering with Huawei, a global leader in digital power solutions, to optimize projects and provide affordable and sustainable power solutions for communities in the Kingdom.

The joint research and development program will lead to groundbreaking solutions for improving renewable energy projects in Saudi Arabia. One area of focus is the design of photovoltaic (PV) strings, which will maximize solar module capacity while reducing the number of strings required for each project. This innovation will significantly reduce the balance of system costs, including installation and maintenance expenses.

The partnership will also explore the implementation of microgrid simulations to optimize performance based on specific energy needs. Advanced controllers will be developed to enhance energy management, load balancing, and grid stability, enabling microgrids to adapt seamlessly to changing conditions. These advancements will increase the utilization of renewable energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. ACWA Power will be able to incorporate these controllers into any project that integrates power generation, energy storage, and loads.

Yao Jiang, President of Huawei ME&CA Digital Power Business Department, expressed honor in working with ACWA Power and contributing to the low-carbon vision and strategy of the Kingdom. Huawei’s expertise in combining digital technology and power generation solutions aligns well with ACWA Power’s goals.

Notably, Huawei Digital Power is already collaborating with ACWA Power and Chinese engineering firm SEPCOIII to develop a 1,300MWh battery energy storage system for The Red Sea Project’s energy storage facility. This ongoing project exemplifies the successful collaboration between ACWA Power and Chinese entities, which have played a crucial role in supporting ACWA Power’s growth over the years.

Since 2009, Chinese firms have been essential partners in ACWA Power’s business development, procurement, investments, financing, insurance, and project execution. Chinese entities have contributed significant equity, financing, EPC value, and solar equipment to ACWA Power’s renewable and seawater desalination projects worldwide.

The partnership between ACWA Power and Huawei Digital Power marks a significant milestone in advancing renewable energy in Saudi Arabia. Through joint innovation and collaboration, these two entities will substantially contribute to local economic growth, technology transfer, and the optimization of renewable energy projects, solidifying their commitment to a sustainable future.