Spotlight on Youssef El Sayed, CEO at PVH Middle East
Youssef El-Sayed arrived in PVH Middle East in 2020 with a consolidated background as the former CEO of manufacturing companies in the USA and the Middle East . Renowned for his expertise in the global steel market and a strong international strategic vision, Youssef has assumed the role of CEO in PVH Middle East. Under his leadership, the company became the leader solar tracker supplier in the Middle East by 2023, and is established as a key player in the GCC's solar industry.
What's the significance of PVH's Local Content Certification in Saudi Arabia?
We are very pleased to have achieved this certificate which has arrived after a hard work process from all our people in PVH Middle East.
Achieving local content certification in Saudi Arabia positions PVH Middle East as a pioneering solar tracker manufacturer committed to the country's economic and industrial development.
PVH has based its success on international growth and localization, always determined to keep a permanent presence in the countries and regions in which it works. PVH Middle East is a clear example of this conviction. PVH Middle East has its headquarters in Saudi Arabia and has gained an identity as a fully Saudi Arabian company.
Recently we have made a great investment to extend our capacity in the Kingdom. This second phase of our factory in Jeddah (KSA) is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and renewed processes, and we expect to achieve a total capacity 12GW/year by the end of Q1 2024.
Achieving the local content certification will definitely open doors, not only as an advantage in applying for specific projects requiring local content certification, but also as a sign for our clients in the region of our commitment to sustainability and energy transformation in Saudi Arabia and the whole Middle East.
Can you highlight the specific milestones that enabled PVH to become the first solar tracker manufacturer to achieve the Local Content Certification?
PVH Middle East consolidated its presence in the region as a fully Saudi company by opening a cutting-edge factory in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Recent certification as a Saudi local content supplier reinforces its position as a key player in solar energy in the Middle East and participating in the most important projects. Macro projects such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid solar park in Dubai, the 805 MW supplied for L&T at Ar Rass and the project that will power the world’s largest green hydrogen plant at NEOM, or Al Shuaibah, our greatest challenge in the Middle East, underscore PVH’s commitment to innovation and sustainability around the world.
PVH has supplied more than 28 GW to over 400 photovoltaic plants operating in various countries around the world. It is currently the world's third largest supplier of solar trackers and structures and has the expertise to properly manage solar tracking installations of any capacity, anywhere.
In what ways does PVH foresee the certification influencing its relationship with local suppliers and stakeholders?
One of PVH Middle East’s main concerns is to be able to continue offering its customers maximum trust and reliability, as proved in its brand identity. In order to do so, we look forward to continue growing, and so satisfy the trust placed upon us by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
We control the manufacturing of every PVH product and we deliver them pre-assembled so they can be easily installed on any type of terrain. We are developing new products and innovations that will ensure top resistance in the harshest weather conditions an that support any type of module, including thin-film and bifacial.
How does PVH's recognition contribute to advancing Saudi Arabia's Solar Market?
This accomplishment underscores PVH's adherence to local regulations, showcasing a dedication to the goals outlined in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative. By manufacturing solar trackers locally, PVH contributes to Saudi’s economic growth, job creation, and skills development, aligning with the broader vision of diversifying the economy.
The certification signifies a commitment to environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with equipment transportation. Moreover, PVH's achievement signals a willingness to engage in partnerships with local businesses, fostering collaboration for mutual advancement in the burgeoning Saudi Arabian solar industry. Overall, PVH's local content certification not only symbolizes compliance but also represents a significant stride towards fostering a self-sufficient and sustainable solar sector within the country.
As the first to achieve this, what message does PVH aim to send to the industry and businesses in Saudi Arabia?
PVH Middle East's achievement serves as an inspiration, urging businesses to integrate sustainability into their core strategies for a resilient and environmentally responsible future.
This accomplishment extends beyond the renewables sector, serving as a model for industries at large. The commitment of all industries to local manufacturing not only complies with regulations but also contributes significantly to economic growth, job creation, and skills development.
The need for a collective commitment to sustainability and energy transformation across all sectors is undeniable. In a moment in which the world faces the critical challenge of climate change, PVH Middle East is an example of the importance of embracing clean energy practices. Industries play a pivotal role in this transformative journey towards a sustainable future. Embracing local content initiatives and renewable energy solutions is not merely a regulatory requirement but a strategic move to contribute to global sustainability goals and foster innovation.
Open question, is there something you want to add?
PVH Middle East not only supplies solar trackers and structures. We are also well-equipped to provide comprehensive services for all our projects in the Middle East from our facilities in Saudi Arabia. Our current installations in the Kingdom enable us to offer an integrated service, supported by a dedicated monitoring division through our latest SCADA systems. These systems keep us informed in real-time about any incidents or performance losses in our projects. Our local engineering team covers project management, commissioning, project supervision, and an aftersales department. All these services are delivered from and within our local setup in Saudi Arabia, ensuring faster processes and better attention to our customers. Within the extensions of our factory, we prioritize the storage and stocking of materials. Leveraging our international experience in steel procurement, we procure materials in advance and store them in our facility. This proactive approach helps us mitigate potential force majeure issues that could impact prices and the global supply chain. With these measures in place, PVH Middle East can now guarantee a stable supply for all its projects in the Middle East.
ABOUT PVH
PVH manufactures and supplies solar tracking and advanced control solutions for large solar projects worldwide. PVH has supplied +28GW in over 300 projects across five continents, holding 10% of the global market share.
The company manufactures its own products in Saudi Arabia, Europe and USA. PVH is the only solar tracker manufacturer with local content certification in Saudi Arabia. In-house manufacturing ensures supply and mitigates the risk of logistics and price variations in materials, offering cost-competitive solutions for any PV installation. With in-house pre-assembly of trackers and control parts, it offers top quality and optimal performance of all its products.
PV Hardware (PVH) is a solar tracker manufacturer and provider of innovative solar tracking solutions for the global solar energy market, including solar trackers, fixed structures and SCADA systems.