Solar energy: practical shifts with real payoffs
At Nesma & Partners, our sustainability framework is seamlessly integrated into how we operate. Guided by the precision that defines our engineering excellence, we pursue environmental initiatives that deliver immediate performance benefits while building long-term resilience. When innovation aligns with measurable impact, we move forward with confidence.
Strategic integration of solar energy
Our transition to solar energy was driven by operational needs, not abstract ambition. Remote project sites often relied on diesel generators, introducing high fuel costs, intensive maintenance demands, and logistical complexities. These challenges called for a smarter, more sustainable approach.
Solar power provided a scalable, data-driven solution. By reducing diesel dependence, we improved energy reliability, cut emissions, and simplified site logistics. Our teams conducted rigorous assessments of feasibility, energy demand, and lifecycle value, ensuring each system was technically sound and economically viable.
From pilot project to programmatic deployment
The transition began at the Nesma & Partners Fabrication Workshop, where we implemented a hybrid solar-diesel system. The results were immediate: over 727,000 kilowatt-hours of clean energy generated annually, meeting nearly 46% of the facility’s energy needs. This transition has eliminated the use of 242,388 liters of diesel each year, substantially reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Beyond minimizing our carbon footprint, it also mitigates the environmental risks tied to diesel storage and usage, such as fuel spillage and ground contamination. The system delivers an annual cost saving of SAR 278,746 and a 320% return on investment over 25 years.
Environmentally, the system prevents the release of over 655,000 kilograms of CO₂, equivalent to the carbon sequestration of 30,000 mature trees. Additionally, reduced diesel usage curbs the emission of pollutants such as particulate matter, NOₓ, and SOₓ, improving local air quality. Cleaner air supports healthier living conditions, reducing risks of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses in nearby communities.
Encouraged by these results, we extended solar deployment to off-grid worker camps, site offices, and temporary support stations, each tailored to site-specific energy loads and designed for modular scalability.
Flagship solar integration at NEOM
Our solar strategy is exemplified at NEOM’s 5K and 10K Construction Villages, where renewable energy was embedded from the outset. These sites are not temporary setups, they are enduring operational hubs supporting one of the Kingdom’s most transformative developments.
At the 5K Village, a 2.5 MW solar system generates 5 GWh of clean electricity each year, accounting for 25% of its energy demand. In the 10K Village, a 4.5 MW system produces 8 GWh annually, fulfilling the same proportion of its energy needs. Both systems are seamlessly integrated into the villages’ infrastructure, supporting ongoing operations.
These solar systems use high-efficiency panels and smart inverters to deliver reliable energy, even under varying environmental conditions. Their performance is monitored in real time through a centralized system that tracks energy output, detects issues early, and enables timely maintenance. The panels are mounted on durable, corrosion-resistant structures, engineered to perform reliably in the Kingdom’s climatic conditions.
Solar adoption enhances energy reliability by mitigating the risks of diesel supply chain interruptions. This energy independence bolsters community resilience and supports both industrial and social development, reinforcing NEOM’s mission to build future-ready environments.
Both locations are targeting LEED v4 Silver Certification, with sustainability reflected in material sourcing, waste management, and long-term maintenance practices. Their stability underscores a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.
Supporting national sustainability objectives
Our solar initiatives support Vision 2030 and the Saudi Energy Efficiency Program (SEEP) by reducing fossil fuel dependency and diversifying energy sources. Avoiding over 240,000 liters of diesel annually relieves pressure on national fuel reserves and lowers emissions, reinforcing our alignment with the Kingdom’s sustainability agenda.
These measurable results are not just environmental milestones, they represent our deep-rooted commitment to delivering high-performance contracting solutions aligned with ethical and national priorities.
Looking ahead, we plan to expand our solar systems in a flexible way that allows us to scale up as operational needs grow. Each system will be designed to supplement the energy demands of the buildings it supports, ensuring consistent efficiency and performance. We are also selecting suppliers who provide certified, environmentally responsible solar equipment. This ensures compliance with green building standards and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, strengthening the long-term sustainability of our solar program.
Expanding our sustainability roadmap
Solar energy is just the beginning. Our broader sustainability strategy includes construction waste optimization, efficient water management, low-impact material procurement, and real-time emissions monitoring and reporting.
Every initiative undergoes rigorous evaluation to ensure it drives both operational excellence and positive outcomes. This is sustainability built into every phase of project delivery.
Redefining responsibility in construction
Construction will always leave a footprint, but at Nesma & Partners, we believe it can be managed intelligently, ethically, and in alignment with national and global expectations. Our solar energy program demonstrates that sustainability enhances performance without compromise.
We remain focused on scaling what works, refining what can be improved, and sharing what we learn. For us, sustainability is more than a goal—it is a standard of execution. And as we continue to build the future, we do so with the conviction that real impact is delivered through action, not aspiration.
