L&T has commissioned Saudi Arabia’s largest solar power plant ahead of the contractual timeline. The 1.8 GWp solar PV plant at Sudair was energised in October 2023 by an L&T team led by Mr S Bharathi Kumar.

 

This is Saudi Arabia’s first GW-scale solar power project, and the first under its Public Investment Fund’s renewable energy programme. The energising event was attended by ACWA Power’s Mr Faisal Al Omari (Executive Management Officer – SOREC) and Mr Dimitris Fertis (Project Director – SOREC).

 

The project has set several benchmarks in quality and productivity. It uses bi-facial PV modules with HSAT trackers and a state-of-the-art automated robotic cleaning solution.

 

Despite the construction work starting during the pandemic, the project has to its credit many achievements. Amongst other things, over 80 Saudi nationals were imparted necessary training and their services availed of. The project was awarded the Annual EHS Trophy 2022 for Best Project and RoSPA Gold Award FY 2023.

 

Commissioning the Sudair solar project ahead of schedule testifies L&T’s high performance and collaborative culture.

 

MEGA FACTS
• Area: Equal to 2,735 football grounds
• Cables: As long as two-thirds of the earth’s perimeter
• Safety record: 9.5 million safe manhours
• Can deliver clean energy to 185,000 homes
• Expected to offset nearly 2.9 million tonnes of emissions per annum