Saudi university initiates solar power plant

[Naveed Yaseen]

RIYADH, Dec 13: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is proceeding ahead with the Saudi solar power plant.

The contract for this 2MW solar power plant has been awarded to Conergy Asia-Pacific, a regional subsidiary of Hamburg-based Conergy AG.

The photovoltaic plant, valued at 11.3 million Euros, is the first large-scale solar project of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Located in Thuwal area, north of Jeddah, the landmark project is managed by Saudi Aramco on behalf of the Saudi government. Saudi Oger is managing the photovoltaic portion of the KAUST project.

Scope of the work consists of two rooftop solar plants with an output of one megawatts each, to be installed on the North and South Laboratories of the university.

It will occupy 11,577 square metres of roof space and produce 3,332 MW hours of clean energy annually, while also saving up to 1,666 tons of yearly carbon emissions.

The project will be executed in collaboration with Saudi-based National Solar Systems (NSS), a leading solar systems integrator in the Kingdom.

The Saudi company has been made responsible for installation and operational management while Conergy will manage the design and components.

The power plant features premium components, combining high-efficiency solar modules from Sun Power Corporation, with Conergy proprietary mounting systems and power electronics.

The plant equates to carbon offsets for approximately 11,758 million kms of air travel.

“With its arid climate and vast desert landmass, Saudi Arabia is geographically optimal for harnessing solar power,” said Florent Abadie, director, Development and Technology Asia-Pacific, at Conergy.

http://www.dawn.com/2008/12/14/ebr17.htm