Shoaiba Power Plant
The largest power plant in Saudi Arabia
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 2003, Shoaiba Power Plant is a gas power plant located in Saudi Arabia with an installed capacity of 5.6 GW. It is operated by Saudi Electricity Company. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in Saudi Arabia.
Why It Matters
Shoaiba Power Plant provides flexible, dispatchable electricity to Saudi Arabia, with capacity to supply roughly 2.6 million US-equivalent households per year. Combined-cycle gas plants emit roughly half the CO2 per kilowatt-hour of coal, which is why many countries are using gas as a "bridge fuel" during their energy transition.
Environmental Impact
Natural gas combined-cycle plants like Shoaiba Power Plant emit roughly half the CO2 per unit of electricity that coal plants do, but they still emit substantial amounts—on the order of 12.1 million tonnes per year for a plant this size. Methane leakage from the upstream gas supply chain can also significantly affect the climate impact.
Fun Facts
- Among the top 5 gas power plants in Saudi Arabia.
- The largest power plant in Saudi Arabia by installed capacity.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 2.6 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 23 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Shoaiba Power Plant produce?▾
Shoaiba Power Plant has an installed nameplate capacity of 5.6 GW. At typical capacity factors for gas plants (~55%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 2.6 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Shoaiba Power Plant located?▾
Shoaiba Power Plant is located in Saudi Arabia at approximately 20.7000°, 39.5000°.
When was Shoaiba Power Plant built?▾
Shoaiba Power Plant was commissioned in 2003.
Who owns Shoaiba Power Plant?▾
Shoaiba Power Plant is owned and operated by Saudi Electricity Company.
About Natural Gas Power
Natural gas power plants burn natural gas in a combustion turbine to generate electricity. They are more efficient and produce fewer emissions than coal plants, making them a popular choice for baseload and peaking power.
Other Natural Gas Power Plants in Saudi Arabia
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Qurayyah Power Plant | 4.0 GW | Saudi Electricity Company |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.