Saudi Arabia is set to float tenders for the construction of a 600 megawatt (MW) solar power project in the city of Makkah in bid to cater to the increasing demand for electricity and clean energy from a booming population.

This comes as part of the 2,600-MW Faisaliah Solar Power Project is being developed by the Saudi Ministry of Energy in co-ordination with Development Authority of Makkah and is set to be implemented in stages.

Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid Al Falih signed a deal with Prince Khalid Al Faisal, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Advisor to the Emir of Makkah region to go ahead with the project.

As per the deal, 600 MW will be offered by the Office of Renewable Energy Projects Development (Repdo) in a public competition, while the Public Investment Fund and its partners will implement 2,000 MW directly.