Some major solar moves are happening in KSA: The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has announced the names of shortlisted bidders for the fourth round of solar projects under the country’s National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), according to a statement (pdf). The fourth round covers the 1.1 GW Al Henakiyah and 400 MW Tabrajal solar parks.

Who’s in: The shortlisted bidders for the 1.5 GW solar projects include a consortium of UAE renewables player Masdar, France’s EDF Renouvelables, and Saudi-based Nesma Company. A consortium of China’s Jinko Power, Sun Glare Holding, and Sunlight Energy Holding have also been shortlisted for both solar PV projects, according to the SPPC.

Ironing out the details: Each of the projects will be developed on a BOO basis, with the winning bidder retaining full ownership of the project company. Each project company would enter into a 25-year power purchase agreement with the SPPC, which is the principal buyer. The projects are expected to lure in over SAR 4 bn (c. USD 1.06 bn) in investments and will help power c. 265k homes annually.

About SPPC: The Saudi company is tasked with the predevelopment, tendering, and subsequent offtake of energy from projects under the Saudi Energy Ministry’s supervision. It has awarded over 11 GW of renewable energy capacity under the NREP to date, according to the statement.