KAUST to build solar power plant

Jeddah, December 13, SPA -- Conergy Asia-Pacific (a regional
subsidiary of Hamburg-based Conergy AG) has been awarded a contract
for a two-megawatt solar power plant for Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah
University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Gazette reported
today.


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


Under the agreement, Conergy will manage the design and components
supply, while installation and operational management are implemented
by NSS. The power plant features premium components, combining
high-efficiency solar modules from Sun power Corporation with Conergy
proprietary mounting systems and power electronics.


Located in Thuwal 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.


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 3,332
megawatt hours of clean energy annually, while also saving up to
1,666 tons of yearly carbon emissions.


This equates to carbon offsets for approximately 11,758 million
kilometers 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.

--SPA