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Saudi Arabia Practice
Oil & gas, renewable energy, Saudi Aramco contracts, power purchase agreements, mining, and energy regulatory compliance — advising the energy companies driving Saudi Arabia's transformation.
Saudi Arabia remains the world's largest oil exporter and the anchor of OPEC+ — but the Kingdom is simultaneously executing the most ambitious energy transition in the Gulf. The National Renewable Energy Programme targets 50% renewable power generation by 2030. The NEOM Green Hydrogen project — a USD 8.4 billion facility — will be the world's largest. Sudair Solar, one of the largest solar PPA projects globally, is already operational.
For energy companies operating in Saudi Arabia, the legal landscape spans upstream hydrocarbon contracts (where Saudi Aramco operates as both national oil company and de facto regulator), downstream refining and petrochemical projects, the emerging renewable energy framework (IPP licensing, PPAs, green hydrogen), and the mining sector that Vision 2030 is opening to international investment.
GSDA's energy practice in Saudi Arabia combines deep understanding of the Saudi regulatory framework — the Ministry of Energy, ECRA, and the giga-project authorities — with the international energy transaction experience required for cross-border deals. Our Paris-Riyadh corridor practice is particularly relevant given the significant participation of French energy companies in the Saudi market.
Upstream and downstream contracts — Saudi Aramco partner agreements, oilfield service contracts, refinery procurement, LNG offtake, and the specific contractual requirements that Aramco imposes on its international contractor base.
PPAs for solar and wind projects under the NREP, green hydrogen project structuring (NEOM Green Hydrogen), independent power producer (IPP) licensing, and the regulatory framework governing Saudi Arabia's renewable energy transition.
Structuring Sharia-compliant and conventional project finance for energy infrastructure — including istisna-ijara for construction phases, limited recourse financing, and the security packages required by international and regional lenders.
Exploration and mining licence applications under the Mining Investment Law, joint ventures, environmental compliance, mine development agreements, and the project finance structures for Saudi Arabia's emerging mining sector.
Ministry of Energy approvals, ECRA licensing for power generation and distribution, environmental impact assessments, and the sector-specific regulatory framework governing Saudi Aramco and independent energy producers.
Representing energy companies in contractual disputes — Saudi Aramco claims, EPC contractor disputes, PPA performance issues, and the arbitration and court proceedings that resolve energy sector conflicts.
We advise oilfield service companies, EPC contractors, and joint venture partners on the legal aspects of Saudi Aramco contractor relationships — including contract negotiation, claims management, the specific procurement and performance requirements Aramco imposes, and dispute resolution when contractual issues arise.
We advise on the legal aspects of Saudi Arabia's renewable energy programme — including the National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP), solar and wind power purchase agreements (PPAs), the NEOM Green Hydrogen project, project finance structuring, and the regulatory framework governing independent power producers (IPPs) in the Kingdom.
Our practice involves engagement with the Ministry of Energy, the Electricity & Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA), the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), and the various giga-project authorities that govern energy development within their jurisdictions. We also advise on the regulatory framework governing Saudi Aramco's partner and contractor relationships.
Saudi Arabia is developing its mining sector under the National Mining Strategy, aiming to position the Kingdom as a leading mining jurisdiction. We advise on exploration and mining licences under the Mining Investment Law, joint ventures with the Saudi Geological Survey, environmental compliance, and the structuring of mining project finance — particularly for phosphate, gold, copper, and rare earth projects.
Our Paris-Riyadh corridor practice is particularly active in cross-border energy — TotalEnergies, Technip, and other French energy companies are major participants in the Saudi energy sector. We coordinate transactions and disputes that span both jurisdictions, including foreign investment structuring, technology licensing, and the regulatory approvals required in both Saudi Arabia and Europe.
Contact our energy and natural resources team for a confidential consultation.