King Salman Energy Park (SPARK): the integrated energy gateway
Saudi Arabia’s energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation. At King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), we are at the forefront of this change, building a world-class industrial hub designed to power the next chapter of energy innovation and growth. Our vision, launched in 2018 under the leadership of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is to create a fully-integrated city that serves as a central gateway to the Middle East and Africa.
A vision of integration
SPARK is more than just an industrial park; it is a vital contributor to the Kingdom’s economic diversification and a model of industrial excellence. Spanning an impressive 50 km², our masterplan seamlessly integrates industrial, logistics, commercial, and residential zones to create a complete ecosystem. We are designed to serve the entire energy value chain, with clusters for upstream, downstream, power, environment, non-metallic, digital, and emerging energy sectors. At maturity, SPARK will host over 300 facilities, contribute approximately $6 billion annually to the country’s GDP, and create 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Our foundational partnership
Our deep-rooted partnership with Saudi Aramco is foundational to our success. As a subsidiary of Aramco, we benefit from world-class governance, financial management, and operational expertise. This strategic alignment is tangible; Saudi Aramco has already moved key operations, including its Drilling and Workover (D&WO) headquarters and workshops, into SPARK. This facility alone covers 370,000 m² and employs over 1,000 staff. This presence accelerates the localisation of the energy value chain, attracts upstream suppliers, and enhances supply chain efficiency for our partners.
Operational excellence
SPARK offers unparalleled operational excellence and a compelling value proposition. Our “plug-and-play” model provides ready-to-use industrial plots with reliable access to power, water, and gas through SPARK Utilities, a licensed provider.
We have also developed the first and largest private dry port in the region. This fully automated facility, operated by SPARK Logistics in partnership with Hutchison Ports, has the capacity to handle up to 10 million metric tons of cargo annually. It will transform the Kingdom’s logistics capabilities and seamlessly integrate with the future GCC railway, supporting Vision 2030’s ambition of positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading global trade and transport hub.
Our essential services and supporting facilities are operational, including a firefighting station, a clinic operated by Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, and the SPARK Administration Building.
Commitment to sustainability
We believe that industrial growth and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive. SPARK is a model for sustainable industrial development, actively supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into our operations. This commitment is evident in our tangible achievements: we are the first industrial city in the world to achieve LEED for Cities Silver certification. We also use green construction materials like non-metallic glass fibre rebars and green concrete, and we utilise solar-powered streetlights and smart water management systems.
Powering tomorrow
We are home to a growing list of world-leading companies. With more than 60 companies having invested in SPARK, totalling over $3 billion, this diverse investor base underscores our position as a trusted partner for global industry leaders.
As we look toward the future, SPARK is a testament to our commitment to innovation and progress. This is where ambition meets opportunity, and we invite you to join us in powering the next chapter of the energy sector.
Energy Connects includes information by a variety of sources, such as contributing experts, external journalists and comments from attendees of our events, which may contain personal opinion of others. All opinions expressed are solely the views of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Energy Connects, dmg events, its parent company DMGT or any affiliates of the same.
