The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) signed a SR4.5 billion contract with General Electric on Tuesday to establish the Kingdom’s first fossil fuel and solar power plant near the Red Sea port of Dhuba in the Tabuk region.
The 600-megawatt (MW) integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) plant will primarily burn natural gas, but will generate 50MW with the support of solar energy to increase fuel efficiency.
Water and Electricity Minister Abdullah Al-Hussayen said the mega Dhuba plant would enable Saudi Arabia to export electricity to Egypt, Turkey and Europe. It will be commissioned in 2017.
In addition to the establishment of an integrated green power plant, the contract includes construction of supply lines to Tabuk. “It is the largest environment-friendly project in the Kingdom,” the minister said.
ISCC plants reduce emissions of climate-warming carbon dioxide by increasing the amount of steam available for driving power generation turbines, without having to burn more gas or oil.
“This project will make power crises in the Kingdom a thing of the past,” said Tabuk Gov. Prince Fahd bin Sultan. He said the electricity sector would grow stronger in the coming years.
The SEC’s chief executive Ziyad Al-Shiha said the plant would have three power generating units — two powered by gas and the third by steam — to produce 550MW in addition to solar energy-powered units to produce 50MW. “This makes it one of the largest power plants in the world.”
He said 25 Saudi engineers and 80 technicians would be trained to run the project, adding that 30 to 35 percent of products used for building the plant would be manufactured in the Kingdom. He estimated the cost of construction work at the plant at SR2.5 billion.
He said a new power transport project would be launched in Tabuk to make the region the largest hub for high-voltage direct current. “It will make use of the power grids linking northwest and northeast of the Kingdom and strengthen the network between Tabuk and Madinah,” he added.
He estimated the value of new electricity projects in Tabuk at SR 10 billion.
SR4.5bn Saudi solar revolution
SR4.5bn Saudi solar revolution
French universities education fair in Jeddah showcases study opportunities
- Choose France Higher Education Fair offered prospective students and parents access to representatives from 15 leading French institutions
- Beatrice Khaiat: We have brought a delegation of 15 French universities and schools, covering disciplines such as engineering, business, hospitality and tourism and French language programs
JEDDAH: An event was held on Monday at the University of Business and Technology in Jeddah to highlight academic and study opportunities in France available to Saudi students.
The Choose France Higher Education Fair offered prospective students and parents access to representatives from 15 leading French institutions.
It was inaugurated by Mohammed Nehad, consul general of France in Jeddah, in the presence of Dr. Weam Husni Tunsi, president of UBT, alongside officials from the French Consulate and a delegation from Campus France.
Beatrice Khaiat, deputy director general of Campus France, spoke about the importance of the initiative, saying: “Given the strong relationship between France and Saudi Arabia, it is very important to strengthen our cooperation with Saudi universities and schools.
“That is why we have brought a large delegation of nearly 15 French universities and schools, covering disciplines such as engineering, business, hospitality and tourism and French language programs.”
She added that France is keen to welcome more Saudi students, particularly women.
“Currently, there are around 600 Saudi students in France, one-third of whom are women, but we want to see more students, and more women, coming from Saudi Arabia,” Khaiat said.
Nehad highlighted the need to raise awareness of French higher education among Saudi students.
“The main aim is to make French universities better known in Saudi Arabia, as there is currently limited awareness about them.
“France has some of the best universities in Europe and the world, particularly in fields such as management, medicine, law and other areas,” he said.
Nehad noted that around 1,000 Saudi students study in France each year, adding: “We would like to expand this number. Saudi students are always welcome in France, and we have the capacity to host them and provide the best of French education, particularly in fields such as medicine, management, and tourism.”
He also underlined the value of the multicultural experience France offers. “When you study in France, you will be part of a diverse international community and gain a truly unique experience at the heart of Europe.”
Tunsi added: “France is one of our top destinations. Currently, 25 of our tourism and hospitality students are studying in France for a full semester at Ecole Ferrieres. Last summer, we also sent students to Paris and Toulouse Business School.”
The fair also featured participation from leading French institutions, including Sciences Po.
Lea Albrieux, international affairs manager for the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, Turkiye and the Gulf at Sciences Po, explained the financial support available to Saudi students.
“We do have a scholarship under the name of the founder of Sciences Po,” Albrieux said.
“It’s a scholarship for non-European citizens, so Saudi citizens can apply for it when they are applying for our university.”
Another participant, Fabrice Tessier, professional ambassador at INNTO France, spoke about opportunities in hospitality, tourism and culture, saying: “We would be very happy to welcome Saudi students and also to make partnerships with Saudi universities.”
Through strong institutional partnerships, direct student engagement and expanding academic cooperation, the French Consulate seeks to strengthen educational ties and create new opportunities for future generations of Saudi and French students.
