PV solar - Green Prophet

UAE’s EDB signs $27M USD deal Yellow Door Energy for 60 new solar PV projects

Julie Steinbeck — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:42:28 +0000

The Yellow Door Energy team

The Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has signed a financing agreement of $27 million USD with Yellow Door Energy (YDE), a leading sustainable energy partner in the MENA region, to support the development and operation of over 60 solar photovoltaic (PV) plants across the United Arab Emirates.

EDB’s financing will expand YDE’s portfolio of solar PV systems, enhancing its capacity to lease solar power plants through solar leases, also known as power purchase agreements (PPAs) tailored for industrial and commercial enterprises. Under this strategic collaboration, Yellow Door Energy will offer leasing opportunities to major industrial players in the UAE.

These companies will benefit from long-term access to clean electricity, significant energy cost savings, and promotion of sustainable energy usage across the nation.

Yellow Door Energy solar installation

Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Development Bank, said: “Our strategic collaboration with Yellow Door Energy marks a new milestone in our mission to enhance the UAE’s renewable energy landscape and accelerate its journey towards a net-zero future.”

Jeremy Crane, Group CEO of Yellow Door Energy stated: “As a company founded and headquartered in the UAE, we deeply value our relationship with the nation’s leading federal bank. Together, we are committed to supporting businesses in reducing their energy costs, enhancing resilience, and achieving their sustainability and Net Zero goals.”

EDB’s plan to provide AED 30 billion in financing to support five priority sectors, including renewables, underlines its crucial role in driving economic growth and fostering a more resilient economy.

Since the launch of its strategy in 2021, EDB has provided a cumulative total of AED 12.97 billion in financing, including more than AED 1.78 billion to empower the renewable energy sector, further consolidating its position as a leader in sustainable finance. Seems like the UAE is a hot place to be for financing and developing renewable energy projects.

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How the Emirates is green powering Caribbean islands

Isabella Hannah — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:02:19 +0000

Island nations are at risk for climate change. A new solar plant will enable Barbuda to reduce annual diesel fuel consumption by 406,000 litres and cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 1 million kg.

The United Arab Emirates UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE-CREF) announced that the hurricane-resistant power project developed by Masdar for Antigua and Barbuda to withstand even the fiercest winds, is now operational.

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, which destroyed 95 percent of Barbuda on 6th September, 2017, and forced all 1,800 residents to be evacuated to Antigua, the climate-resistant plant is designed to survive 265 km-per-hour winds and provide a safe, reliable, and sustainable supply of electrical power for the island.

Some of Green Prophet’s family members were airlifted out of Dominica after a hurricane destroyed the island.

The hybrid solar, batteries, and back-up diesel project is already helping to support the twin-island nation’s objective of meeting 86 percent of its electricity sources from renewable energy by 2030. The Green Barbuda project was formally inaugurated at an event on the island of Barbuda by Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hazza Ahmed Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, and Ambassador Brian Challenger from Ministry of Energy of Antigua and Barbuda, accompanied by a delegation from local and state entities.

Masdar developed and implemented the Green Barbuda project as part of its work under UAE-CREF, the largest renewable energy investment of its type in the region.

Masdar’s model eco city just outside Abu Dhabi

Fully financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the US$50 million UAE-CREF was launched at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2017 as a partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), ADFD and Masdar. New Zealand, Antigua and Barbuda and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) also provided funding for the project.

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, said, “It is a landmark achievement for the UAE-CREF to have driven an energy transformation in Antigua and Barbuda at such a scale. The project took into consideration the country’s high dependence on fossil fuel imports for energy needs despite having the potential to exploit its solar, wind and geothermal power. This initiative highlights the extraordinary capability of clean energy to drive socioeconomic development. This is why ADFD is multiplying its effort to accelerate the energy transition in the developing world, as the UAE leads the way to a low-carbon and zero-emission future.”

Renewable energy plays a key role in enhancing energy security within emerging markets, especially in small island countries that are vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, said, “The Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda are extremely appreciative of the assistance from the UAE in our efforts to achieve sustainable development. In that regard, the Green Barbuda electricity project has been a truly transformative one for Barbuda. It harnesses our indigenous renewable energy resources and has provided for the transfer of cutting-edge technologies as well as capacity building at the local level to manage the project.

The project supports Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts to reduce its dependence on costly and volatile imported petroleum fuels and to develop our own renewable energy resources. At the same time, it also enables us in both adapting to and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the UAE and other partners in expanding this project as a showcase of sustainable energy in the Caribbean.”

The project combines a hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, featuring 720 kilowatts-peak (kWp) of solar PV panels, connected to an 863 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, and capable of fully meeting the island’s current daytime energy demand. The plant will enable Barbuda to reduce annual diesel fuel consumption by 406,000 litres and cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 1 million kg.

The UAE-CREF initiative intends to deploy renewable energy projects in 16 Caribbean countries in three cycles to reduce energy costs, increase energy access, and enhance climate resilience.

Projects have already been successfully launched in the Bahamas, Barbados, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

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From Rooftops to Savings: The Solar Panel Journey in Kent, Essex, and London

Bhok Thompson — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:07:22 +0000

Group-buying scheme to help Kent County residents residents invest in renewable energy opens again. Via Kent County website.

Overview of the Solar Energy Landscape in These Regions

In Kent, Essex, and London, the shift towards renewable energy is gaining remarkable momentum, with solar power at the forefront. Each region, with its unique characteristics, is contributing significantly to the UK’s solar energy adoption.

Kent, known as the “Garden of England,” offers ideal rural landscapes for solar installations, aligning with its commitment to natural beauty and clean energy. Essex, with its mix of countryside and urban centres, is embracing solar energy for environmental and economic benefits. Residential and large-scale solar farms are becoming increasingly common here.

London, despite its urban density, is actively participating in the solar revolution. Rooftops across the city are transforming into power-generating assets, contributing to the capital’s sustainability goals. Innovative community solar projects and government incentives are making solar energy feasible and attractive in the bustling metropolis.

This growing trend of solar panel installation across these areas reflects a broader national shift towards sustainable energy. Driven by environmental awareness, rising energy costs, and the desire for energy independence, solar energy is becoming a preferred choice for many in Kent, Essex, and London.

Understanding Solar Panel Technology and Its Benefits

How Solar Panels Work

Solar panels, or photovoltaic (PV) panels, are marvels of modern technology, capable of converting sunlight into electricity. They consist of many solar cells made from layers of silicon, phosphorus, and boron. When sunlight hits these cells, it generates an electric field, producing electricity. This process is entirely clean, harnessing the sun’s natural energy without emitting greenhouse gases.

The UK, including Kent, Essex, and London, experiences sufficient daylight hours to make solar panels effective, even on overcast days. Modern solar technology has advanced to the point where it is efficient and productive, regardless of the weather variations these regions experience.

Environmental and Financial Benefits Specific to Kent, Essex, and London

The adoption of solar panels in Kent, Essex, and London offers significant environmental and financial benefits. Environmentally, they provide a clean, renewable source of energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This is crucial in tackling climate change and preserving the natural beauty of regions like Kent and Essex, as well as improving air quality in urban areas like London.

Financially, solar panels represent a smart investment. After the initial installation cost, the savings on electricity bills become evident. In Kent and Essex, homeowners with larger properties can generate significant energy, sometimes even selling excess back to the grid under schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). In London, solar panels can help reduce the high cost of urban living, offering long-term financial benefits.

Solar panels not only contribute to a greener planet but also offer a practical solution to rising energy costs, making them an increasingly popular choice in these regions.

Navigating Solar Panel Installation: Process and Providers

Estee Lauder in Canada sets up solar power on the roof of the manufacturing facility. Businesses can do this as well as individuals.

The process of solar panel installation in Essex is straightforward, with a focus on maximising the potential of both rural and suburban settings. Homeowners and businesses need to select a reputable provider who can assess their specific energy needs and site conditions. The installation involves site evaluation, panel selection, and a professional setup. In Essex, the emphasis is on blending the panels with the natural and architectural aesthetics of the area.

When Installing solar panels in London you can face unique challenges due to urban density. However, the city’s innovative approach to solar energy includes solutions like shared solar for apartment buildings and solar installations on commercial properties. Providers in London are adept at navigating these challenges, ensuring that even in a bustling city, solar energy is a viable option.

For solar panel installation in Kent, the process mirrors that of Essex, with additional focus on protecting the county’s historical and natural beauty. Providers in Kent are experienced in installing solar panels in a variety of settings, ensuring efficiency and minimal visual impact.

In all three regions, choosing the right provider is crucial. They should offer comprehensive services from initial consultation to installation and aftercare. Reliable providers ensure compliance with all regulations and maximise the efficiency and longevity of the solar panels.

Government Incentives and Support for Solar Energy

In the UK, government incentives significantly enhance the appeal of solar panel installation, with specific benefits available in Kent, Essex, and London.

In Essex, Solar panel installation is supported by various local and national incentives. These include grants and subsidies that reduce the initial cost of installation, making solar energy more accessible to a wider audience. Homeowners and businesses in Essex can take advantage of these financial aids to offset the upfront investment and enjoy long-term savings.

Solar panel installations in London benefit from the city’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Urban solar projects often qualify for additional incentives, including tax benefits and enhanced feed-in tariffs. This governmental support is vital in making solar panel installations feasible and attractive in high-density areas like London, where environmental impact is a significant concern.

In Kent, Solar panel installation is also supported by government schemes. These incentives are designed not only to encourage solar adoption but also to preserve the county’s natural landscape. By offering financial benefits, the government aims to make solar panels an appealing option for both residential and commercial properties in Kent.

Across these regions, the government’s supportive stance, through subsidies and schemes like the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), adds to the financial and ecological attractiveness of solar energy. These incentives play a pivotal role in the growing adoption of solar panels in Kent, Essex, and London.

Future Trends in Solar Energy

The trajectory of solar energy in Kent, Essex, and London is marked by promising technological innovations.

In Kent, the integration of solar technology with the region’s heritage is key. Emerging technologies like building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are set to blend with Kent’s historic landscapes.

Essex’s focus is on enhancing efficiency and accessibility of solar energy. Advancements in panel efficiency and residential battery storage will enable greater energy independence for its residents.

London’s urban solar future hinges on smart solar solutions. Innovations such as smart grids and community solar initiatives are poised to transform solar usage in densely populated areas, aligning with London’s sustainability goals.

These trends indicate a bright future for solar energy in these regions, driven by innovation, ecological awareness, and policy support. Solar energy is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of the energy mix in Kent, Essex, and London.

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The Roomba for solar panels goes public and is valued at $300M

Karin Kloosterman — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 09:53:35 +0000

Ecoppia, a robot to clean PV photovoltaic solar panels, launched an initial public offering (IPO) on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE), after successfully completed the public tender phase. This is after a significant raise this summer.

Ecoppia secured $82.5 million from leading institutional investors with a company valuation of $300 million, they said in a press announcement. By cleaning the solar panels at night Ecoppia can improve solar efficiencies.

During the public tender phase, Ecoppia marked yet another meaningful achievement as public demand reached $76.74 million, despite the fact that the company offered shares for just $1.5 million. During the institutional tender, Ecoppia received $144.7 million in demand, yet accepted only $83.3 million.

Water-free cleaners

Ecoppia offers fully autonomous, water free robotic cleaning solutions for PV modules, ideally for large scale PV installations located in dry and arid regions. Deployed globally in utility-scale sites operated by leading energy players on three continents, Ecoppia’s solutions clean 10 million panels every night and have been field-proven to keep solar panels at a year-round peak performance while minimizing O&M costs.

Despite the unique challenges of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Ecoppia has secured over 10GW of new projects over the last four quarters alone, maintaining a CAGR of booking of over 200% in the past six years.

Last July, CIM Group, the US-based investment firm, invested $40 million in Ecoppia’s shares, with $20 million directly into the company.

Ecoppia was founded in 2013 by Eran and Moshe Meller, who held 21% of the company’s shares prior to the IPO. Along with the CIM Group and the Mellers, the company’s primary stakeholders, prior to the IPO, were prominent international investors and financial institutions.

“I would like to thank our investors for their trust in Ecoppia,” said Ecoppia’s CEO, Jean Scemama. “Ecoppia serves a rapidly growing global market, and has demonstrated strong technological supremacy in all our operational regions. It is expected that manual cleaning for large-scale solar sites will become irrelevant in the coming years.”

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Investing in bifacial and tracking solar systems safe bet for future

Karin Kloosterman — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 07:21:49 +0000

Using data from NASA, double sided, tilting solar panels create 35% more energy, on average, than immobile single-panel photovoltaic systems, while reducing the cost of electricity by an average of 16%. Above photo via Solup.

So many types of solar energy technology from panels to types of collection methods, have come and gone, or have come and gone but still been built despite no longer being efficient systems. This happened in Israel at its Ashalim plant, pictured below. What seemed like a great idea when it was financed with attractive feed-in tariff guarantees, no longer holds its salt when it’s built. The amount of energy gone into it costs more than the price of energy it can sell. Okay, of course, the environment wins, and so do investors but not taxpayers: The technology is already out of date. So how do solar energy companies prepare for tomorrow, or at least the next 10 years? They follow science and trends.

The price of oil has hit rock bottom so investment in renewables is up: Solar power systems with double-sided – known as bifacial solar panels in the industry– which collect sunlight from two sides instead of one — and a single-axis tracking technology that tilts the panels so they can follow the sun are the most cost effective to date, researchers now report. The study is released in the science journal Joule.

The scientists determined that this combination of technologies produces almost 35% more energy, on average, than immobile single-panel photovoltaic systems, while reducing the cost of electricity by an average of 16%.

“The results are stable, even when accounting for changes in the weather conditions and in the costs from the solar panels and the other components of the photovoltaic system, over a fairly wide range,” says first author Carlos Rodríguez-Gallegos, from the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore: “This means that investing in bifacial and tracking systems should be a safe bet for the foreseeable future.”

Research efforts tend to focus on further boosting energy output from solar power systems by improving solar cell efficiency, but the energy yield per panel can also be increased in other ways. Double-sided solar panels, for example, produce more energy per unit area than their standard counterparts and can function in similar locations, including rooftops.

This style of solar panel, as well as tracking technology that allows each panel to capture more light by tilting in line with the sun throughout the day, could significantly improve the energy yield of solar cells even without further advancements in the capabilities of the cells themselves. However, the combined contributions of these recent technologies have not been fully explored. A whole industry of companies that produce tracking technologies needs to be investigated.

To identify the global economic advantages associated with the use of a variety of paired photovoltaic technologies, Rodríguez-Gallegos and colleagues first used data from NASA’s Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) to measure the total radiation that reaches the ground each day.

The researchers further tailored this data to account for the influence of the sun’s position on the amount of radiation a solar panel can receive based on its orientation, and then calculated the average net cost of generating electricity through a photovoltaic system throughout its lifetime.

Focused on large commercial PV systems

They focused on large photovoltaic farms composed of thousands of modules rather than smaller photovoltaic systems, which generally include higher associated costs per module. The team validated their model using measured values from experimental setups provided by three institutes and incorporated additional weather parameters to perform a worldwide analysis.

The model suggests that double-sided solar panels combined with single-axis tracking technology is most cost effective almost anywhere on the planet, although dual-axis trackers — which follow the sun’s path even more accurately but are more expensive than single-axis trackers — are a more favorable substitute in latitudes near the poles. But despite this technology’s clear benefits, Rodríguez-Gallegos does not expect this style of photovoltaic system to become the new standard overnight.

“The photovoltaics market is traditionally conservative,” he says. “More and more evidence points toward bifacial and tracking technology to be reliable, and we see more and more of it adopted in the field. Still, transitions take time, and time will have to show whether the advantages we see are attractive enough for installers to make the switch.”

While this work considers standard silicon-based solar cells, Rodríguez-Gallegos and colleagues next plan to analyze the potential of tracking systems combined with pricey, top-of-the-line solar materials with higher efficiencies (called tandem technologies), which are currently limited to heavy-duty concentrator photovoltaics and space applications.

“As long as research continues to take place, the manufacturing costs of these materials are expected to keep on decreasing, and a point in time might be reached when they become economically competitive and you might see them on your roof,” says Rodríguez-Gallegos. “We then aim to be a step ahead of this potential future so that our research can be used as a guide for scientists, manufacturers, installers, and investors.”

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Egypt to shine with a new $3.5 BIL solar plant!

Faisal O'Keefe — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 17:34:10 +0000

A global consortium of engineering and renewables industry giants kicked off a project to build a suite of solar power generating plants in Egypt to produce 2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity and valued at USD $3.5 billion. Terra Solar announced their plan on Friday, adding that they will also build a 200 MW PV module and inverter manufacturing facility to create components for use in the consortium’s own solar plants and for exportation.

Terra Sola combines the corporate muscle of Bahrain-based Terra Sola Ventures, Swiss wealth management company Terra Nex, RWE New Energy, Hareon Solar Technologies, and a number of German tech companies including LTi ReEnergy. Terra Nex will manage project financing, largely through German investors. Hareon will supply the solar modules, and RWE will operate and maintain the plants.

Last year, Terra Sola signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with state-run Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC) to develop a solar project then described simply as “large-scale”.

This week’s announcement was coincidental with a state visit by the German deputy Chancellor, during which time the consortium’s Board of Directors visited Luxor and Aswan governorates to check prospective locations for three of the plants. Terra Sola has set up an Egyptian office to better coordinate with government entities, and to serve as project headquarters.

In a statement, Board Member Peter Göpfrich said that Egypt is one of Africa and the Middle East’s most active and growing markets. Terra Sola view the project as an integral step in their strategy to expand their global presence, but he emphasized that the USD $3.5 billion project will also benefit Egypt by creating more than 50,000 direct and indirect new jobs. When pressed for details, he clarified that construction of the manufacturing facility alone will provide more than 1,500 job opportunities, and another 1,000 permanent positions are required to support its operational phase.

No details were provided as to overall project timeline, or targeted commissioning dates.

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Dubai designer uses nano-tech to turn a traditional black abaya green!

Green Prophet Guest — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 18:14:35 +0000

A Dubai-based abaya fashion designer has come up with a way to take the traditional black cloak into the future by integrating nanotechnology into its sleeves, giving the garment the capability to charge a smartphone or tablet. Manaal Al Hammadi showcased her solar-powered abaya at the last month’s World Energy Summit 2016 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Al Hammadi, who designs modern abaya with contemporary detailing, integrated solar cells into its generous folds. She experimented with organic photovoltaic (OPV) units, made of flexible and lightweight thin film (pictured below) that can be “printed” using roll-to-roll production processes. These cells are durable, and have relatively low levels of embedded energy.

She placed the collectors in sleeves in order to receive maximum solar exposure, and softened the high-tech look with trims and bead work to give the illusion of delicate embroidery. Charging ports are hidden in the front pocket of the abaya, for convenient device plug-in.

Wearable tech is hot, with new versions constantly coming online, but this is the world’s first piece of Islamic fashion to jump on the trend. In the rapidly development mash-up of tech, renewable energy and fashion, when will we see solar panels on hijab or yarmulke?

Manaal Al Hammadi’s Abaya Designs can be found at The Fashion Vault in Sunset Mall, Dubai. You can follow her on her instagram page @manaalalhammadi.

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Mystery energies of solar power solved!

Brian Nitz — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 23:33:48 +0000

Researchers at the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute worked alongside colleagues at Trinity College Dublin to solve solar energy mysteries related to the physical properties of photovoltaic perovskite materials. Their discovery may lead to more efficient solar energy harvesting.

Carlo Motta, Fedwa El-Mellouhi, Sabre Kais, Nouar Tabet, Fahhad Alharbi and Stefano Sanvito (acting director of the Irish funded AMBER material’s science centre) published their research in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.

Their paper, entitled: Revealing the role of organic cations in hybrid halide perovskite CH₃NH₃PbI₃ explains how the organic molecules and inorganic salts in perovskites work together to achieve 20% or better photovoltaic harvesting efficiency.

Persovkites were known to be particularly efficient in converting solar energy into electricity but no one knew why, until now. To understand this research, it helps to know that from the 1950s when Bell Labs began producing photovoltaics for the US space program until now, most commercial photovoltaics rely on the semiconductor properties of doped silicon. “Dope” (impurities) in the silicon crystal lattice is added to favour the capture of photons, creation of electrons/holes pairs and help maintain charge separation.

These are at least three important characteristics of efficient photovoltaic (PV) materials: The first is that it must capture photons. The reason most PV materials appear black or dark-blue is that they are efficient at capturing (not reflecting) photons of many wavelengths.

The second characteristic is that it is able to convert the energy of photons into electron/hole pairs. When a photon’s energy knocks an electron out of its comfortable position within the crystal, it leaves a hole and the photon’s energy is converted into a tiny separation of charge (voltage.)

The third important characteristic of an efficient PV material is the ability to preserve charge separation so the majority of electrons don’t fall back into holes before exiting via conductive electrodes. Ideally the atoms and molecules of a PV material would be shaped as one-way valves, allowing light to bump electrons out of their holes while keeping them from falling back.

Using computational models, the Qatari and Irish scientists were able to simulate the behaviour of persovkites and determine that at the molecular level, the inorganic molecule shapes change the band gap voltage in such a way that favours photon capture and the creation of electron/hole pairs while slowing the process of electrons falling back into holes. The understanding gained from this approach will allow people to develop even more efficient solar energy capture materials.

Image of sun catcher from Shutterstock

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Jordan’s 52.2 MW Shams solar energy PV plant built with First Solar

Faisal O'Keefe — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 04:26:24 +0000

Two years after passing its Renewable Energy and Efficiency Law (REEL) Jordan is moving forward with what will be the largest largest solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in the Middle East. Construction will begin on the 52.5 MW Shams Ma’an facility in early 2015 with completion in 2016. Shams is the Arabic word for “sun”.

US-based First Solar, Inc. co-developed Shams Ma’an with Jordan’s Kawar Group, and has now signed a contract to engineer, procure (materials and equipment) and construct (EPC) the plant in Ma’an province. Scope also covers long-term operations and maintenance. They’ve also entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Jordan’s National Electric Power Company.

The plant is part of the Ma’an Development Area initiative in southern Jordan.

According to a statement on the First Solar website, the power plant will supply 160 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year – roughly 1% of Jordan’s overall generation capacity – sufficient to power over 35,000 average homes in the country.

The project will also create an estimated 500 jobs during its construction. Additionally, the plant will also help reduce Jordan’s carbon footprint by displacing approximately 90,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, equivalent to removing about 20,000 cars from its roads.

“Shams Ma’an has already established a new benchmark for the independent production of renewable energy in the region, demonstrating how the selection of the right technology and service providers creates considerable value, which in turn helps attract experienced institutional investors,” said Ahmed Nada, First Solar vice president for the Middle East .

This is the company’s second utility-scale project in the Middle East following 2013 completion of the 13 MW first phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum plant in Dubai. First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive PV solar systems which use its advanced thin-film modules.

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Jordan moves ahead on its first solar PV project – worth 52MW

Faisal O'Keefe — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 09:07:19 +0000

Jordan’s National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) has finally signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with US-based First Solar Inc. and the Shams Ma’an Consortium for a 52.5 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project – the first such project in the kingdom and one of the largest in the region.

The project was conceived over five years ago!

The $150 million USD facility will be built in the sparsely populated Ma’an Development Area in southern Jordan and will produce 160 gigawatts of clean electrical power annually. The project, to be operational next year, is expected to provide 500 construction jobs and another 50 during long-term operation and maintenance.

First Solar will provide design (using their cadmium telluride thin-film PV modules), construction, operations and maintenance services.

A PPA is a vehicle under which a consumer buys electricity for a fixed tariff over a set timespan from the power generator; it encourages private developers to invest in commercial-scale power projects. In this instance, Jordan locks in a secure, renewable energy source and sidesteps costly expansion of national generating capacity.

“The Shams Ma’an solar power plant represents the future of Jordan’s energy independence,” Shams Ma’an CEO Hanna Zaghloul told the Jordan Times. “By bringing together industry leaders, international financing and advanced technology ideally suited to local conditions, we will establish a regional benchmark for the independent production of power.”

Jordan’s Renewable Energy and Efficiency Law (REEL), passed in 2012, guarantees that all power generated under PPAs will be purchased by the consumer and/or by NEPCO. The law also enables materials and spare parts to enter the kingdom free of customs, allowing developers unfettered access to global markets for critical components.

That same year, the ministry launched the first phase of direct tenders, which resulted in signing 30 memoranda of understanding with qualified companies to develop renewable energy projects throughout the Kingdom with total capacity of about 850 megawatts. Last month, the government finalized terms for PPAs on seven projects totaling 200MW. Power produced by these projects will be sold to NEPCO at US$0.17/kWh – the current cost of electricity is around US$0.25/kWh.

Unlike legislation in the US and EU., Jordan’s REEL does not allow individual consumers to enter into PPAs – which prohibits the kingdom’s largest energy users (such as Arab Potash Company, Queen Alia International Airport, Zaatari refugee camp, and others) to also step off the national grid unless they avail to a “wheeling” option.

Wheeling requires that generated power be piped back to the utility company and credited to the consumer, who draws against that credit, paying nominal transmission fees to NEPCO. REEL offers another option to smaller consumers, “self-generation”, but guidelines cap annual power generation at 5MW making that option unfeasible for the kingdom’s largest energy users.

If Jordan is serious about getting its largest consumers off the national grid and onto clean energy solutions – and if the kingdom is to capitalize on current global competition and favorable pricing in the solar market – the REEL options need urgent redefinition to allow PPAs for individual consumers.

Shams Ma’an Power Generation PSC was established to develop PV projects in Jordan. Currently, renewable energy remains underutilized in Jordan.

Image of SHAMS site plan from Shams Ma’an Consortium

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