The Sakaka independent power photovoltaic solar plant, the first renewable energy project under the King Salman Renewable Energy Initiative, is expected to be done at its planned deadline which is by the end of 2019, according to Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al Falih, Arab News reported.

After completing the solar plant, it is expected to have a production capacity of around 300 megawatts to meet the energy needs of approximately 45,000 homes in the Al Jawf region.

Al Falih’s visit to the plant was accompanied by Habib Abdul-Samad, the Assistant Undersecretary.

One of the main objectives and commitments of the Sakaka solar photovoltaic project was to achieve a 100% local power generation during the first year, according to Mohammed Abunayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power, the operator that leads the project.

The $320 billion project covers six km2 and is the first in a series of renewable energy projects launched under the National Renewable Energy Program to achieve the targets of the Saudi Vision 2030 by producing 58.7 gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy.