Saudi Arabia’s first large-scale solar power plant

16 December 2008

Conergy Asia-Pacific has been awarded a contract for a 2MW solar power plant for Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). 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.

Saudi Arabia’s first large-scale solar power plant

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 scope of work consists of two rooftop solar plants with an output of 1-megawatt each, to be installed on the North and South Laboratories of the University. 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). It will occupy 11,577 square meters of roof space and produce 3,332MW hours of clean energy annually, while also saving up to 1,666 tonnes of yearly carbon emissions. This equates to carbon offsets for approximately 11,758 million km of air travel.

“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 growng 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.