Saudi Arabia asks for bids for solar, wind plants

Dubai

SAUDI Arabia is kicking off its US$50 billion renewable-energy push as the world's top crude exporter turns to solar and wind power to temper domestic oil use in meeting growing energy demand.

Bidders seeking to qualify to build 700 megawatts of wind and solar power plants should submit documents by March 20, and those selected will be announced by April 10, Saudi Arabia's energy ministry said Monday in an e-mailed statement.