Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations Amaala and The Red Sea, has signed a 25-year deal with French multinational electric utility company EDF (Électricité de France) and clean energy firm Masdar.
The partnership will establish a multi-utilities infrastructure facility for the Amaala destination, completely powered by solar energy, reducing annual CO2 emissions by nearly half a million tonnes.
The facility is built with an optimised off-grid renewable energy system, featuring photovoltaic technology, a battery energy storage solution ensuring 24/7 power, and renewable-powered desalination and wastewater treatment plants.
Amaala’s sustainability commitment
John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, highlighted Amaala’s commitment to sustainability, aiming for a zero-carbon footprint when fully operational.
“The project follows the template for success provided by The Red Sea, where we recently completed the build of five solar farms, procuring a destination-wide utility system that enables us to operate with no connection to the national grid,” Pagano said.
Amaala’s renewable system can generate up to 410,000 MWh annually, sufficient to power 10,000 households for a year.
With a 700 MWh battery storage facility, Amaala will be powered by renewables around the clock, alongside a desalination plant capable of producing 37 million litres of water daily.
This public-private partnership (PPP) covers design, construction, and operation, setting new standards for EDF.
“Our objective is to continue to be a key player in the development of innovative, fully resilient and net-zero electrical systems. Together with Masdar, we are thrilled to take part in Red Sea Global’s Amaala project, a large-scale off-grid system delivering carbon-free electricity and water 24/7. This project will set new standards of execution and operation for EDF and the Kingdom,” Béatrice Buffon, Executive VP of EDF’s International Division said.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, highlighted the project’s innovative solutions in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to achieve 50 percent energy from renewables by 2030.
“For this fully integrated utility project in partnership with Red Sea Global and EDF, we have brought together a suite of innovative solutions and technologies including solar, battery storage and desalination,” Al Ramahi added.
Amaala aims to deliver a 30 percent net conservation benefit to local ecosystems by 2040, going beyond sustainability.
Phase One, the Triple Bay masterplan, plans to welcome guests in early 2025, offering over 3,900 hotel rooms, residences, retail, fine dining, and a community for 15,000 people upon completion.
The 25-year utilities concession agreement aims to finance, engineer, develop, construct, operate, maintain, and transfer the infrastructure facility.
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