Saudi Arabia Targets 130 GW of Solar Power by 2030 in Push for Renewable Leadership

Saudi Arabia, long synonymous with oil wealth, is undergoing a sweeping energy transformation with plans to generate 130 gigawatts (GW) of solar power by 2030.

According to The Wall Street Journal, several large-scale solar projects are already underway across the Kingdom, with some nearing completion. Vast stretches of desert are being converted into solar farms, reflecting Riyadh’s ambition to become a global force in renewable energy.

Official data shows Saudi Arabia’s solar capacity climbed to 4,340 megawatts (MW) in 2024, up from 2,585 MW in 2023. By the end of the decade, the government aims for half of the nation’s electricity to come from renewables.

Officials emphasize that the transition is motivated by both environmental concerns and economic opportunity, as solar power continues to be the world’s cheapest and fastest-growing energy source. The initiative marks a bold effort to reshape Saudi Arabia’s global image—from oil superpower to renewable energy leader.