Ceo Patrick Pouyanne announces major solar development at the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, expanding the company’s renewable footprint in the Kingdom

TotalEnergies has been awarded a significant 300-megawatt (MW) solar project in Saudi Arabia, further strengthening its renewable energy portfolio in the region. CEO and Chairman Patrick Pouyanne made the announcement at the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable energy development. This latest project, granted by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy, marks another milestone in TotalEnergies’ growing investment in renewables within the Kingdom.

“We are proud to announce that we’ve been awarded a 300 MW solar plant by the Ministry of Energy,” Pouyanne declared during the forum. “We are already building a 114 MW facility here, and this new award underscores our long-term commitment to renewable energy in Saudi Arabia.” He also pointed out that TotalEnergies currently boasts a global renewable capacity of 28 gigawatts (GW), underscoring the company’s aggressive push towards cleaner energy solutions.

Pouyanne’s remarks highlighted TotalEnergies’ approach to balancing renewable energy expansion with the ongoing need for reliable and affordable energy. “The energy transition must be just, orderly, and equitable,” he emphasised. “We must meet today’s energy demands while simultaneously preparing for the future. Exiting traditional energy sources prematurely is not a viable solution.”

The company’s involvement in Saudi Arabia is not limited to renewables. TotalEnergies is also a key player in the Kingdom’s petrochemical industry. Pouyanne detailed the progress on the $11 billion Amiral petrochemical complex in Jubail, a joint venture with Saudi Aramco. “This is a monumental project,” he explained. “We’ve already completed 30 per cent of the work, with 7,000 workers on-site. It’s a testament to our commitment to long-term energy solutions.”

Hydrogen was another critical focus of Pouyanne’s address. He described it as a pivotal element in the global energy transition but stressed the challenges associated with its development. “Hydrogen is crucial, but the real challenge lies beyond construction,” he explained. “Eighty per cent of the cost involves transport, storage, and distribution, not just the infrastructure itself.”

TotalEnergies’ dual strategy in Saudi Arabia—investing in both renewable energy and traditional sectors like refining and petrochemicals—illustrates the company’s comprehensive approach to energy development. “What we do in the Kingdom mirrors what we do in France,” Pouyanne said. “We integrate refining, petrochemicals, and renewables to ensure a balanced and sustainable energy future.”

As Saudi Arabia advances its green energy initiatives, TotalEnergies strengthens its role in supporting the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable energy. With large-scale projects like the 300 MW TotalEnergies Saudi solar plant and the Amiral petrochemical complex, the company is shaping the future of energy in the region.