RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s energy and water desalination giant ACWA Power has drawn investor attention regarding its expansion strategy, following the approval of its shareholders for a SR7.1 billion ($1.8 billion) rights issue.

In an interview with Al-Eqtisadiah, Abdulhameed Al-Muhaidib, the company’s chief financial officer, outlined ACWA Power’s growth plans, financing approach, and future targets.

ACWA Power has been actively expanding its global presence, securing $500 million in new US agreements and reinforcing its position as Uzbekistan’s top energy investor with $15 billion committed to 19 projects, including 18 in renewables.

Strategic expansion and capital increase 

Al-Muhaidib said over 77 percent of the rights issue was subscribed by major shareholders, reinforcing confidence in ACWA Power’s strategy.

The capital raise aims to fund new projects and expand the company’s global footprint, particularly in renewables, water desalination, and green hydrogen. 

“This move supports our long-term strategy to triple managed assets to $250 billion by 2030,” Al-Muhaidib told Al-Eqtisadiah. The company expects annual equity contributions of $2 to $2.5 billion from 2024 to 2030, up from $1 to $1.3 billion in previous years. 

Selective mergers and global targets

ACWA Power is eyeing selective mergers and acquisitions in key markets to accelerate profitability and secure stable cash flows. “M&A opportunities allow us to fast-track earnings while maintaining financial discipline,” Al-Muhaidib said. 

The firm is actively exploring investments in Malaysia, Africa, and other Asian markets with high infrastructure demand. 

The proceeds from the rights issue will primarily fund new projects in the Kingdom and strategic international markets, including the Middle East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and China. 

2030 goals: renewables, water, and green hydrogen 

By 2030, ACWA Power aims to exceed 175 gigawatts in power generation capacity, up from 78.9 GW today, produce 15 million cubic meters of desalinated water daily, and generate 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually, with potential for an additional 1 million tonnes under new contracts. 

Balancing debt and equity 

Despite securing SR58.6 billion in project financing over the past two years, Al-Muhaidib said that the capital increase does not signal a reduction in borrowing. 

“We maintain a balanced approach, leveraging both project debt and equity to sustain growth,” he added. 

ACWA Power’s net debt-to-operating cash flow ratio stands at 6.4 times, which is deemed healthy for growth-focused firms. 

Asia expansion and China entry 

ACWA Power’s recent acquisition in China marks its broader ambitions in Asia. “China is a strategic market, and we are evaluating opportunities in Malaysia and Africa,” Al-Muhaidib said. The company has an 80-person team in China and a 1 GW renewable pipeline there. 

Rapid execution and financing success 

The SR58.6 billion in project financings reflects ACWA Power’s strong lender relationships and execution capabilities. “Our integrated model — combining development, investment, and operations — ensures timely delivery,” Al-Muhaidib added. 

With a focus on disciplined growth, ACWA Power remains committed to its 2030 targets while maintaining environmental, social and governance standards.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched the July subscription window for its government-backed savings sukuk, “Sah,” offering an annual return of 4.88 percent—slightly up from June’s 4.76 percent.

Part of the 2025 issuance calendar managed by the National Debt Management Center under the Ministry of Finance, the sukuk reflects ongoing efforts to promote financial inclusion and encourage personal savings among Saudi citizens.

“Sah” is issued under the Financial Sector Development Program, a core component of Vision 2030, which aims to raise the national savings rate from 6 percent to 10 percent by 2030.

Targeted at individual investors, the product offers a secure, fee-free investment avenue with stable, government-guaranteed returns. The July issuance window opened at 10 a.m. Saudi time on July 6 and will close at 3 p.m. on July 8.

As with previous tranches, the sukuk is Shariah-compliant, denominated in Saudi riyals, and carries a one-year maturity, with fixed returns paid upon redemption. The minimum subscription remains SR1,000 ($266.56), while the maximum is capped at SR200,000 per investor.

The marginal increase in return reflects slight shifts in domestic funding costs and market liquidity, as the government responds to growing demand for low-risk savings instruments.

Subscription is open to Saudi nationals aged 18 and above through approved digital platforms, including SNB Capital, Aljazira Capital, Alinma Investment, SAB Invest, and Al-Rajhi Capital.

The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that monthly issuances will continue, with each offering’s yield determined by prevailing market benchmarks.

According to NDMC, the sukuk also supports broader collaboration with the private sector, including banks, asset managers, and fintech companies, as the Kingdom works to expand access to savings products and build a more diversified financial ecosystem.