Saudi Arabia Invests $5B in Turkey's Clean Energy Future

A $5 billion handshake between Saudi Arabia and Turkey just lit up the path to a cleaner, more independent energy future for millions.

ACWA, Saudi Arabia's renewable energy leader, has signed a landmark agreement with Turkey's Ministry of Energy to build 5 gigawatts of solar power capacity across the country. The first phase will deliver 2 gigawatts through solar plants in Sivas and Taşeli, with ACWA handling everything from financing to construction to long-term operation.

This isn't ACWA's first rodeo in Turkey. The company already operates the 927-megawatt Kırıkkale power plant, which has been cutting 1.8 million tons of carbon emissions annually since 2017. That success story laid the groundwork for this much bigger commitment.

The numbers tell a hopeful story about what's possible when nations team up on climate action. The program will help Turkey cut emissions by 41 percent by 2030 and reach 120 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2035. Even more ambitious, Turkey aims for net zero emissions by 2053.

Beyond the climate wins, this investment means energy freedom. Turkey currently imports fossil fuels that fluctuate with unpredictable global markets. Homegrown solar power means predictable electricity prices, better grid planning, and protection from energy price shocks that hit family budgets and business bottom lines.

The Ripple Effect

The benefits spread far beyond solar panels and power lines. Thousands of construction jobs will spring up during the building phase, followed by hundreds of permanent high-skilled positions once the plants start humming. ACWA has already proven its commitment to local communities by achieving 100 percent Turkish employment at its existing facilities.

Turkish manufacturers, engineers, and construction firms will play central roles in bringing these massive projects to life. ACWA views Turkey as both a clean energy leader and a manufacturing powerhouse, creating partnerships that strengthen both nations' economies.

The agreement includes power purchase terms with Turkey's state electricity company, giving certainty to both energy producers and consumers. Fixed-price clean electricity means businesses can plan investments knowing their power costs won't spike with the next global crisis.

This partnership shows what regional cooperation looks like when countries focus on solving real problems together. Clean energy, good jobs, energy independence, and climate progress all wrapped into one achievable plan.