Anzagi: Remote Village Transforms into Regional Renewable Energy Hub in Asir
Anzagi: Remote Village Transforms into Regional Renewable Energy Hub in Asir
In a landmark step reflecting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for transitioning to a green economy, the remote village of Anzagi in Asir region has evolved from a quiet residential community into a leading regional center for renewable energy production. This follows the completion of a 500-megawatt solar power station, the largest in southern Saudi Arabia. Launched in September 2022, the project began trial operations in April 2023 and will be fully integrated into the national grid by July 2024, according to a statement from the Atomic and Renewable Energy Authority.
Located 120 kilometers south of Abha city in mountainous terrain with solar radiation exceeding 2,200 kilowatt-hours per square meter annually, Anzagi proved the optimal choice for the solar project. The plant spans nearly 12 square kilometers and features over 1.8 million solar panels. Since operations began, it has produced 1.1 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity—sufficient to power more than 180,000 households annually, per Energy Ministry statistics.
During an official visit to the plant in May 2024, Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al-Duaila stated: “Anzagi is no longer just a village, but a national model for energy transition, proving that remote areas can become engines for sustainable development.” He added: “This project represents an investment in the future, creating over 1,200 direct and indirect job opportunities for local youth, alongside advanced training in maintenance and operational technologies.”
The village now benefits from integrated infrastructure partially funded by project revenues, including two modern schools, a health center equipped with advanced medical facilities, a treated water network, and high-speed internet lines. Anzagi is directly connected to Riyadh’s energy management center and stands as Saudi Arabia’s first village fully administered through a digital platform integrating energy, water, and transportation services.
Experts project the plant will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 550,000 tons annually—equivalent to removing 120,000 cars from roads. Developer ACWA Power noted Anzagi is Saudi Arabia’s first solar plant utilizing artificial intelligence to optimize generation efficiency, achieving a conversion rate of 22.3%, the highest in the region.
Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture data shows Anzagi’s population surged from 870 residents in 2021 to over 3,200 in 2024, driven by socioeconomic transformation from the project. Hundreds of trainees and specialists from across the kingdom have relocated to work and train at the site.
In conclusion, Anzagi’s transformation presents a successful model for converting geographical challenges into economic opportunities. This remote village in Asir’s mountains has become a symbol of clean energy, sustainable development, and social equity. Beyond electricity generation, it redefines development paradigms for marginalized areas, proving Saudi Arabia’s future is built not only in major cities but also in villages like Anzagi—where the rising sun daily illuminates pathways and brightens tomorrow.
صحيفة عكاظ اليوم ، موقع إخباري شامل يهتم بتقديم خدمة صحفية متميزة للقارئ، وهدفنا أن نصل لقرائنا الأعزاء بالخبر الأدق والأسرع والحصري بما يليق بقواعد وقيم الأسرة السعودية، لذلك نقدم لكم مجموعة كبيرة من الأخبار المتنوعة داخل الأقسام التالية، الأخبار العالمية و المحلية، الاقتصاد، تكنولوجيا ، فن، أخبار الرياضة، منوعات و سياحة.
