Key investors in renewable energy for the Middle East and North Africa regions will be on hand to discuss the criteria for securing project financing. They will present the case studies of the Shams 1, a 100MW plant in Abu Dhabi and the Noor 1, a 160MW (being constructed in Morocco). Meet the World Bank and more at the Menasol conference this May 6 to 7 in Abu Dhabi.
Understanding the details of how to secure project finance in the MENA markets will be crucial for developers in the emerging markets in MENA.
In Saudi Arabia, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, where the most potential for CSP is evident, there are regulations and requirements that need to be fulfilled.
Some of the key factors to be considered are acquiring land permits, fulfilling local content requirements and the technical considerations such as having a proven track record of technology and selected equipment providers, according to the event organizers.
Who will be there to help guide the way?
Barbara Riccardi, Director of Global Infrastructure and Finance, Natixis Bank, a french corporate and investment bank, and Ulrich Schoppmeyer, Director Power, Renewables, Water, KfW Ipex, from a German banking group, will be evaluating these considerations and will be giving their first hand insight on granting the investment on the Shams 1 CSP plant in Abu Dhabi.
Understanding the difference between financing projects in the Middle East and financing projects in North Africa will be crucial for developers to know where to establish their future investments.
Jonathan Walters, Director, Regional Programs and Partnerships, The World Bank, will be giving his first-hand insight into the investments granted for the Noor 1 CSP project currently under construction in Ourzazate, Morocco.
Visitors to Menasol will also get the chance to see Shams 1 in person: Shams 1 is the Middle East’s largest and only operational CSP power plant and one of the largest in the world. With a power output of 100MW, Shams 1 solar field extends to over 600,000 m2 and it has over 250,000 mirrors.
For more information on the topics that will be discussed at MENASOL click here. Or contact Sarah Kingham at [email protected]
Image of solar panels and money from Shutterstock
Author: Karin Kloosterman
Karin Kloosterman is an award-winning journalist, innovation strategist, and founder of Green Prophet, one of the Middle East’s pioneering sustainability platforms. She has ranked in the Top 10 of Verizon innovation competitions, participated in NASA-linked challenges, and spoken worldwide on climate, food security, and future resilience. With an IoT technology patent, features in Canada’s National Post, and leadership inside teams building next-generation agricultural and planetary systems — including Mars-farming concepts — Karin operates at the intersection of storytelling, science, and systems change. She doesn’t report on the future – she helps design it. Reach out directly to [email protected]
