Commodity Online
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is determined to go the clean energy way. An indication to this was evident when Conergy Asia-Pacific, a regional subsidiary of Hamburg-based Conergy AG, has been given a contract for a 2-megawatt solar power plant for Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
The project will occupy 11,577 square meters of roof space and produce 3,332 megawatt hours of clean energy annually, while also saving up to 1,666 tonnes of yearly carbon emissions. This is equal ant to carbon offsets for approximately 11,758 million kilometers of air travel.
Despite being an oil-rich export economy for decades, the introduction of alternative energy could create significant value for Saudi Arabia’s energy landscape, by ensuring sustainable opportunities for diversified economic growth.
Conergy Asia-Pacific is awarded this prestigious project under a consortium agreement with Saudi-based National Solar Systems, a leading solar systems integrator in the Kingdom.
Conergy will manage the design and components supply, while installation and operational management are implemented by National Solar Systems.
The power plant features premium components, combining high-efficiency solar modules from Sunpower Corporation with Conergy proprietary mounting systems and power electronics.
Located in Thuwal north of the city of Jeddah, the landmark project is managed by the oil giant, Saudi Aramco on behalf of the Saudi Government, and is being executed by several large construction contractors including Saudi Oger who is managing the photovoltaic portion of the KAUST project.
The photovoltaic plant, valued at 11.3 million Euros, is also the first large-scale solar project of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
“With its arid climate and vast desert landmass, Saudi Arabia is geographically optimal for harnessing solar power,” explained Florent Abadie, Director, Development and Technology Asia-Pacific at Conergy. “We commend the Saudi authority’s remarkable support for cleantech development and inspiring commitment to renewable energy, which we are witnessing in the Kingdom’s leading policymakers and decision-makers.”
Currently, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s population is estimated at 27 million with energy demands growing at an annual rate of 5%.
Despite being an oil-rich export economy for decades, the introduction of alternative energy could create significant value for Saudi Arabia’s energy landscape, by ensuring sustainable opportunities for diversified economic growth.
“As a market leader and major player in the renewable energy business, Conergy Asia-Pacific will play a key role in responding to the GCC’s growing demand for solar and wind energy. The cooperation between Conergy and National Solar Systems for KAUST and other future projects is aimed at realising the synergy and complementing the knowledge and expertise of the two partners,” Abdulhadi Al-Mureeh, Director, Business Development of National Solar Systems commented. (Courtesy: IndiaPRWire)
