Total Solar Distributed Generation, a subsidiary of French Energy company Total SE, has launched a joint venture with Jeddah headquartered Zahid Group to capture market share in the commercial and industrial (C&I) solar space. In August 2018, a Zahid Group subsidiary acquired a 50% stake in German solar EPC provider Greencells (see Saudi Company Acquires Stake In Greencells).
Zahid Group has entered the partnership through Altaaqa Alternative Solutions, a utility services provider with interests in power, water and solar energy.
Called Saudi French for Energy Efficiency and Renewables (SAFEER), the joint venture will target solar installations on rooftops and carports for the C&I segment. While Total brings to the table its experience in the solar value chain, Altaaqa is equipped with delivering power and utility solutions in the country, stated Zahid Group.
The announcement read that SAFEER comes as a natural response to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Energy's call to promote renewable distributed generation in the kingdom.
SAFEER, the 2 claimed, will lead the way in developing an 'ecosystem for distributed generation through the delivery of state-of-the-art solutions, development of local content and talent while maintaining a second-to-none commitment to safety and quality'.
"In line with our 2050 carbon neutrality ambition and our growth strategy in renewables, we are committed to bring to SAFEER Total's world-class expertise in on-site solar power generation solutions to provide clean, affordable and reliable energy to industrial and commercial customers in KSA," said Senior Vice President, Renewables at Total, Julien Pouget.
In a separate development for Total Group, the company said its French renewable energy subsidiary Total Quadran won 50 MW solar capacity during the 9th period of CRE 4 call for tenders.