Egypt Government To Invest £447.3 billion In 691 Green Projects: Hala El-Said
Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hala El-Said, recently said that the government is planning to invest £447.3 billion in 691 green projects over the coming year. Despite the current pandemic situation the government carried out its investment plan with £36.7 billion which represents 14 % of the total public investment planned for the 2020/2021 fiscal year. In particular with the production of renewable energy the Egyptian authorities will continue their investment programme in the electricity sector. Funding is allocated to a 25 MW wind power project in the Gulf of Suez and to the construction of the Zaafarana solar photovoltaic power plant. The project is being implemented by the German company Belectric with a capacity of 50 MWp. The Egyptian government states that the project will provide 90 million kW/h of electricity per year, while avoiding the emission of 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide. The egyptian ministry indicates that 30% of the funds that are dedicated to green projects will be invested in the housing sector, mainly in the new cities under construction in Upper Egypt.
SEC Grants 5-star Rating to Waad Al Shamal for EHS Standards
Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has awarded 5 stars to Waad Al Shamal integrated solar and combined cycle power plant project for Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) standards. The project has become one of the power plants under construction in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to obtain a 5-star rating for EHS performance from SEC. GE is providing turnkey services, including engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) works, and supplying four GE 7F gas turbines, one steam turbine and four heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), as well as other equipment for the project. To be granted a 5-star rating, organizations not only have to meet the defined criteria but also have to demonstrate that they are continuously adhering to them. GE has dedicated site leaders, staff training programs and its own internal audits to implement and monitor EHS standards at the Waad Al Shamal project. GE won the contract for SEC’s Waad Al Shamal project, which also includes 50 megawatts (MW) of solar power, in late 2015.
Saudi’s Effat University Launches Solar Energy Project
Contributing to a sustainable future for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in line with Vision 2030 to diversify energy sources and capitalize on renewable energy Effat University Launches the Second Solar Energy Project Scientific Testing for Solar Panels Designed for Desert Conditions. Effat University, together with partners ECN.TNO, DSM, and Exasun of the Netherlands, started a large-scale outdoor test of solar panels specifically designed for desert conditions. The project is sponsored by the local partner Altaaqa alternative solutions a Zahid Group Company, and the Dutch government organization ‘The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)’. A total of 60 desert proof solar panels are monitored at the rooftop test site of EFFAT University. Special solar panel materials and design are being tested compatible with desert conditions: high ultra violet radiation, abrasion by sand, and elevated temperatures. “Effat University is committed to supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to ensure a sustainable non-oil dependent future for the Kingdom,” said Dr. Haifa Reda Jamal Al-Lail, President of Effat University. This project, which highlights the enduring potential of solar energy as an affordable, decentralized source of electricity in Saudi Arabia.
Trina Solar Appoints Al-Raebi As Authorized Distributor In Yemen
Trina Solar Co., Ltd has announced that it has signed an agreement with the Yemeni photovoltaic firm Al Raebi for Trading Co. to be its authorized distributor in Yemen. The agreement comes as a further commitment of Trina Solar’s expansion plans and towards increasing its footprint in the Middle East & Africa region. Al-Rabei’s appointment as authorized distributor will ensure that Trina Solar’s quality service and products will be available by supplying tier 1 PV modules with high reliability and solid performance to consumers across the Yemeni market. Jimenez Antonio, head of the Middle East and Africa markets at Trina Solar, said: “We are excited to work with Al-Rabei as our authorized distributor in Yemen. We have a very long and prosperous relationship together that has always been successful and fruitful in developing our presence in the Yemeni market. This partnership will allow us to provide the most advanced solar technology to address the current and future market demand. We look forward to working with Al-Rabei to grow the business and play a key role in the already large photovoltaic industry in Yemen.” Trina Solar and Al-Rabei had signed a deal earlier to supply 6MW of Vertex series modules to high-efficiency distributed PV projects in the Middle East. The acquisition of the order signaled the degree to which the Vertex series modules will lead the Middle East solar market into the era of 500W+ ultra-high power output, boosting the local application of photovoltaic clean energy.
NTPC Bags 500 MW Solar Park PMC Contract In Mali, Africa
The Republic of Mali has awarded a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) contract to NTPC, a central PSU under the Ministry of Power, for the development of 500 MW Solar Park. In an event held on 24th June 2020, chaired by R. K. Singh, the Minister of State for Power, NRE, Skill Development and President of International Solar Alliance (ISA), and H.E. Sekou Kasse, the Ambassador of Mali, handed over the Project Management Consultancy award letter to Gurdeep Singh, CMD NTPC, for development of 500 MW Solar Park in the Republic of Mali. The Republic of Mali has been taking various initiatives towards the energy security of the country, especially to increase access to electricity for its citizens, with a focus on solar power and applications. The development of Solar Projects in Mali will make a considerable impact on the socio-economic growth of Mali. NTPC, a Government of India Enterprise and a leading global power company with 62,110 MW installed capacity has vast experience in setting up Solar Projects and handling various solar programs like the National Solar Mission in India. In 2019, ISA endorsed NTPC as a Project Management Consultant through a competitive process for the member countries to avail the services of NTPC. Earlier the Republic of Togo engaged NTPC for similar PMC support for the development of 285 MW Solar Park in Togo. NTPC plans to anchor 10,000 MW of solar parks in ISA member countries in the next two years.
