Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power has signed new agreements valued at $500 million with U.S. companies, bringing its total collaboration with American firms to over $46 billion. These deals were formalized during the Saudi–U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh, coinciding with an official visit by U.S. President Donald Trump.
ACWA Power is recognized as the world’s largest private water desalination company and a key player in the global energy transition. The company is actively involved in initiatives focused on renewable energy, hydrogen production, and advanced desalination technologies.
“These strategic partnerships with leading American companies are a direct investment in the future of Saudi Arabia,” said Raad Al Saady, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ACWA Power. He emphasized that these agreements align with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy, create jobs, and promote sustainability.
The recent agreements cover several critical areas:
- Solar Energy: ACWA Power will collaborate with U.S. firms to deploy advanced tracking technologies that aim to reduce energy costs and enhance local production capabilities.
- GE Vernova: This partnership focuses on innovating combined-cycle gas turbine projects and improving electricity transmission and distribution systems in Saudi Arabia.
- Baker Hughes: The two companies will work together on developing and testing green hydrogen production technologies, with a potential for in-Kingdom manufacturing, boosting local industry.
- KBR: This engagement involves large-scale ammonia projects, providing engineering and program management support essential for successful implementation.
- Energy Recovery: Joint research initiatives will explore energy-saving operations for pressure exchangers (PXs) in seawater desalination, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
ACWA Power CEO Marco Arcelli stated, “Access to cutting-edge technology and expertise is critical as we diversify our portfolio and expand into new markets.” This sentiment reflects the company’s commitment to leveraging innovations to enhance its operations and sustainability efforts.
In addition to these recent deals, ACWA Power’s partnerships with U.S. companies include equity collaborations with EIG and Air Products, as well as technology development initiatives with firms like Nextracker and DuPont. The company is also engaged in ongoing research initiatives with prestigious institutions such as MIT, Yale, and UCLA.
The new agreements between ACWA Power and U.S. companies underscore the growing collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the United States in the fields of renewable energy and advanced technologies. As ACWA Power continues to lead in water desalination and energy transition, these partnerships not only support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 but also contribute to global sustainability efforts. The focus on innovative technologies will help ensure a greener and more sustainable future for both nations.
