The global solar industry is witnessing a surge in large-scale project tenders as governments and energy developers accelerate the transition toward cleaner electricity. From Saudi Arabia and India to Australia and Germany, several gigawatt-scale solar and hybrid energy projects have been announced or awarded in recent months, signaling robust investor confidence and policy support.
Below is a summary of ten major solar tenders shaping the global renewable energy landscape.
1. Saudi Arabia – 3.1 GW Solar Tender (Round 7 of NREP)
Saudi Arabia’s Power Procurement Company has launched the seventh round of its National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) to develop four solar projects totaling 3.1 GW. The sites include Tabarjal 2 (1,400 MW), Moqaq (600 MW), Tathleeth (600 MW), and South AlUla (500 MW). The tender aims to boost clean energy generation as the kingdom targets 50 percent renewables by 2030.
2. Saudi Arabia – 2 GW Solar Projects Awarded to Masdar
Masdar, the clean energy developer from the UAE, has secured two large-scale solar projects totaling 2 GW under Saudi Arabia’s sixth renewable energy tender. Located in Al-Madinah and Al-Qassim, the projects strengthen regional cooperation and highlight the Gulf’s leadership in renewable development.
3. Turkiye – 850 MW Solar under YEKA Scheme
Turkiye plans to hold tenders for 850 MW of solar capacity as part of a 2 GW wind and solar package under its YEKA model. The program includes nine sites ranging from 40 MW to 260 MW. These projects will boost local manufacturing and support Türkiye’s strategy to diversify its clean energy mix.
4. Australia – 11.4 GWh Solar-Plus-Storage Projects Awarded
Australia’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) awarded about 11.4 GWh of solar-plus-battery capacity under its fourth tender round. Eleven of the twenty winning projects combine solar generation with energy storage. This highlights Australia’s growing emphasis on hybrid energy systems to stabilize its National Electricity Market.
5. Germany – 490 MW Solar-Plus-Storage Innovation Tender
Germany’s Federal Network Agency concluded its innovation tender, awarding 490 MW of solar-plus-battery projects at an average tariff of €0.0531 per kWh. The auction attracted bids totaling over 2.1 GW, showing strong interest in hybrid renewable systems that enhance grid reliability.
6. Thailand – Floating Solar Expansion at Sirindhorn Dam
Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) launched a tender for Phase 3 of its floating solar project at the Sirindhorn Dam. With an additional 24 MW capacity, this project will expand Asia’s largest floating solar installation and demonstrate the region’s innovative approach to land-efficient renewable deployment.
7. Tunisia – 500 MW Solar Awarded in First Phase
Tunisia awarded 500 MW of solar capacity to four international developers, including Qair, Voltalia, and Scatec, as part of its 1,700 MW renewable energy plan. The awarded projects aim to strengthen the country’s energy independence and reduce reliance on imported natural gas.
8. India – 16.5 GW of Solar Tenders Issued in Q3 2025
India’s renewable sector posted record activity, with 16.5 GW of solar tenders announced in the third quarter of 2025, up 137 percent from the previous quarter. Issued by SECI, NTPC, and state utilities, these projects will help India progress toward its 280 GW solar target by 2030.
9. Saudi Arabia – 3 GW Projects Awarded in Round 6
In its sixth NREP tender round, Saudi Arabia awarded 3 GW of new renewable projects, including four solar farms and one wind project. The 1.4 GW Najran Solar project achieved one of the lowest electricity tariffs in the kingdom’s history, underlining the competitiveness of Saudi renewables.
10. Saudi Arabia – 12 GW of Solar PPAs Signed
Saudi Arabia’s Power Procurement Company signed five power purchase agreements totaling 12 GW, including Bisha (3 GW), Humaji (3 GW), and Khulis (2 GW) projects. The average tariff of SAR 0.0484 per kWh makes these among the most cost-effective solar deals globally. Construction is expected to start in 2026.
Global Outlook
The recent wave of tenders highlights a clear shift in global energy policy toward large-scale solar and hybrid power systems. Saudi Arabia continues to lead in project scale and pricing, while Australia and Germany set benchmarks in storage integration. Emerging regions such as North Africa and Southeast Asia are adopting innovative models like floating and hybrid solar, expanding the global renewable footprint.
Baburajan Kizhakedath