Saudi Arabia has drafted plans for a solar energy network

The state-owned King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy has overseen a project to construct solar energy plants in five provinces in the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom.

Officials said the agency, which received regulatory approval, was preparing to begin the project in 2015.

“King Abdullah City has received land for the facilities and was preparing to issue a tender,” an official said.

The solar plants have been proposed for Mahd Al Dhahab, Qaisumah, Rafha, Shororah and Wadi Al Duwasir.

Officials said the first facility to be constructed would be Mahd, located in the Medina province.