SIG and Yellow Door Energy launch 2MW solar plant at Riyadh factory

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – October 10, 2025: Under the patronage of Eng. Majed Rafed Al-Argoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), SIG, in partnership with Yellow Door Energy, has officially inaugurated a 2-megawatt rooftop solar power plant at SIG’s aseptic carton factory in the Second Industrial City in Riyadh.

The event marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s industrial sustainability journey, strengthening the MODON Green Initiative and advancing the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.

A milestone for industrial sustainability in Saudi Arabia

The inauguration ceremony was attended by H.E. Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen, Ambassador of Switzerland to Saudi Arabia; Eng. Abdallah Al Obeikan, Chairman of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Obeikan Investment Group; along with SIG’s key customers, including Almarai, Al Safi Danone, and Gulf Union, as well as other leading stakeholders and sustainability advocates from across the Kingdom.

The project, covering 8,000 square meters, features more than 3,200 solar panels and is one of the first industrial-scale solar installations in Saudi Arabia to be connected directly to the national grid and an active manufacturing facility.

In its first year of operation, the system is expected to generate over 3.5 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity and reduce carbon emissions by 1,300 metric tons. Construction began in early 2025 and was completed within just six months.

Supporting Vision 2030 and the MODON Green Initiative

Speaking at the inauguration, Eng. Majed Rafed Al-Argoubi, CEO of MODON, said:

“This project reflects our commitment to making Saudi Arabia’s industrial cities more sustainable. By partnering with industry leaders like SIG, we are advancing the MODON Green Initiative and contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and Net Zero by 2060 goals.”

The solar plant will enhance energy efficiency in Riyadh’s Second Industrial City, setting a precedent for future renewable energy projects within Saudi Arabia’s industrial zones.

Eng. Abdallah Al Obeikan, Chairman of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and CEO of Obeikan Investment Group, commented:

“This inauguration reflects the Kingdom’s growing momentum in renewable energy and the important role of the private sector in advancing sustainability. As a long-standing partner of SIG, I am proud to see this milestone taking place in Riyadh and believe it will inspire further collaboration between industry leaders, government entities, and international partners to achieve Vision 2030.”

Strengthening SIG’s global Climate+ commitment

This project represents an important step in SIG’s global Climate+ strategy, which focuses on creating low-carbon packaging systems by replacing fossil-based materials with renewable alternatives, decarbonizing operations, and investing in clean energy.

Eng. Abdelghany Eladib, President & General Manager, India, Middle East, and Africa at SIG, said:

“This solar project is a pivotal step forward for SIG as we accelerate our Climate+ commitment in line with our global sustainability goals. By tapping into renewable energy in partnership with Yellow Door Energy, we are enhancing the sustainability of our operations and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s green energy ambitions under the Saudi Green Initiative.”

Switzerland and Saudi Arabia strengthen sustainability partnership

Her Excellency Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen, Swiss Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, emphasized the strong bilateral cooperation between the two nations, saying:

“This project is a testament to the strong partnership between Switzerland and Saudi Arabia in advancing sustainability and innovation. I am proud to see a Swiss company like SIG contributing to the Kingdom’s clean energy transition and to Vision 2030. By working together across borders, we can accelerate the shift to renewable energy and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Yellow Door Energy: powering the region’s clean energy future

Eng. Hisham Alhegelan, CEO Middle East at Yellow Door Energy, commented:

“We are proud to support SIG’s Climate+ ambition and contribute to MODON’s Green Initiative, bringing renewable energy to Riyadh Second Industrial City. Through our solar lease, we enable businesses to reduce energy costs and decarbonize their operations. Together, we are driving progress toward Saudi Arabia’s Net Zero Emissions by 2060 target and building a sustainable energy future for generations to come.”

Under the solar lease agreement, Yellow Door Energy is responsible for financing, building, and operating the plant throughout its lifecycle, allowing SIG to focus on its core operations and sustainable packaging solutions.

This marks SIG’s second collaboration with Yellow Door Energy, following a successful 304-kilowatt solar project in Dubai, UAE, which included rooftop panels, carport installations, and EV charging infrastructure.

The Riyadh project also follows Yellow Door Energy’s milestone achievement of surpassing 1 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity generated across its regional portfolio — further reinforcing both companies’ commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Net Zero 2060 framework.