SolarQuarter- Middle East May-Jun Issue 2023

JinkoSolar's Leadership in PV Technology: Pioneering the Shift to TOPCon and Overcoming Challenges for MENA Adoption while Expanding Opportunities and Maintaining a Competitive Edge

ADVANCEMENTS IN SOLAR TECHNOLOGY PROPELLING

SAUDI ARABIA'S RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSITION

LONGI MIDDLE EAST AND NEXT SOLAR ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO PROMOTE CLEAN ENERGY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Head of Technical Services & Product Management - MENA, Jinko Solar

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Firstview Media Ventures Pvt Ltd

EDITING

Sheenam Arora

Mohan Gupta editorial@firstviewgroup.com

CONTENT

Sadhana Shenvekar

Mohan Gupta publishing@firstviewgroup com

DESIGNING

Neha Barangali

Radha Buddhadev design@firstviewgroup.com

ADVERTISING

Smriti Charan

Andrew Ferreira advertise@firstviewgroup.com

CIRCULATION

Sadhana Shenvekar

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ADVERTISE WITH US

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14

LK VERMA Founder & Managing Director PowernSun

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MOHAMED SAADY Head of Technical Services & Product Management - MENA Jinko Solar

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ENG. IBRAHIM R. GERGES Senior Operations Manager, Solar Arabia Co Ltd

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ROWAN JANDU Cofounder, Head of Engineering & Business Development, Haala Energy

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NAHIDH AHMED ELSHAER Sirajpower's Country Director KSA

MIDDLE EAST NEWS

FINANCE >

HYDROM SIGNS $20 BILLION MOUS FOR GREEN HYDROGEN PROJECTS IN OMAN

Asubsidiary of Energy Development Oman SAOC (EDO), Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) has signed 3 memorandums of understanding for green hydrogen projects in Oman worth $20 billion The three projects were signed with the consortia of Amnah, Green Energy Oman (GEO), and BP Oman The projects are expected to produce around half a million tonnes of green hydrogen annually from over 12 GW of installed renewable energy capacity. All the projects are spread across 320 square kilometers of area in the Al Wusta Governorate The first project is awarded to a consortium of Blue Power Partners (BPP), and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), and Al Khadra will generate 200 KTPA of green hydrogen from 4.5 GW of renewable energy The second project is awarded to BP Oman Once completed, the project is expected to generate 150 KTPA of green hydrogen from 3 5 GW of renewable energy. The third project was awarded to a consortium of Green Energy Oman (GEO) that includes OQ, Oman Shell, InterContinental Energy, EnerTech, and Golden Wellspring Wealth for Trading (GWWT) The project is anticipated to generate up to 150 KTPA of green hydrogen from 4 GW of renewable energy

NEXWAFE PARTNERS WITH ARAMCO VENTURES FOR GREEN SOLAR WAFER FACILITY IN SAUDI ARABIA

NexWafe GmbH (NexWafe) announced it secured €30M to accelerate the construction of its first commercial-scale facility in Bitterfeld, Germany to fabricate the company’s green solar wafers The funds come from NexWafe’s current group of investors, including Reliance New Energy Limited, Aramco Ventures, and ATHOS Venture GmbH, as well as new investors, including the Honorable Malcolm Turnbull AC and Keshik Capital, led by Alex Turnbull NexWafe’s unique, patented green solar wafer manufacturing solution simplifies polysilicon production and reduces energy use and production time This results in drastically lowered production costs for n-type monocrystalline wafers used for the majority of high-performing solar modules.

ISRAEL’S XFLOAT SECURES $1 MILLI PILOT INSTALLATION OF FLOATING S SYSTEM IN THE US

Xfloat, an Israel-based company has successfully secured a grant of $1 million through the BIRD Foundation to establish its first pilot installation of a floating solar tracker system in the United States The grant will facilitate the collaboration between Xfloat and RETTEW Associates, a US-based engineering and environmental consultancy. Xfloat’s floating solar mounting and tracking systems are claimed to generate a yield up to 28% more efficient than comparable systems, while also reducing lifetime costs through various design and logistical improvements

ENGIE INVESTS $12 BILLION IN ENERGY, WATER DESALINATION, AND GREEN HYDROGEN PROJECTS IN UAE

ENGIE announced that the company’s investments in energy, water desalination, and green hydrogen projects in the UAE amount to approximately US$12 billion (AED 44 billion) Claux emphasized ENGIE’s commitment to further growth, particularly in the UAE, which is a key strategic market in the Middle East In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Claux (MD Flexible Generation and Retail, Africa Middle East Asia) explained that ENGIE’s investments in the UAE are spread across various strategic projects These include the Al Ajban Solar PV development, water desalination projects, battery storage, green hydrogen production, the Mirfa 2 Reverse Osmosis Independent Water Project, and the operation of six power and water plants in the country

EWEC AND ZERO TWO JOIN FORCES FOR THE LARGEST CLEAN ENERGY CERTIFICATES PURCHASE IN UAE

EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) and Zero Two, a leading digital assets infrastructure development company based in Abu Dhabi, have jointly announced the largest single purchase of Clean Energy Certificates (CECs) to date, covering 7 3 million megawatt hours of clean energy The purchase agreement was signed by Ahmed Al Hameli, Chief Executive Officer of Zero Two, and Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC The CECs were purchased through EWEC’s CECs auction process and represent not only the largest ever single CECs purchase to date but also the first in the digital assets infrastructure sector. Under the purchase agreement, EWEC will provide Zero Two with clean energy certificates to decarbonize its operations and support the company’s progress against sustainability objectives

NAMA POWER AND WATER PROCUREMENT COMPANY SIGNS $800 MILLION AGREEMENTS FOR SOLAR POWER PROJECTS IN OMAN

Nama Power and Water Procurement Company have entered into two agreements worth US$800 million with investment consortiums for independent power projects (IPPs) in the wilayat of Manah in Dakhliyah The Manah I and Manah II IPPs will have a combined capacity of 1,000MW, utilizing solar PV technology The projects will cover an expansive area of 14 5 million square meters and incorporate over 2 million solar panels.

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER’S NEW HORIZONS INITIATIVE SUCCESSFULLY CONNECTS UAE AND UZBEK RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANIES

Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has successfully brought together UAE-based company Empereal Ruby Energy and Innovations and Uzbekistan’s SOLAR NATURE to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint cooperation on solar photovoltaic and solar thermal projects in Uzbekistan and the Middle East Under the terms of the MoU, which was signed in the presence of H.E. Alisher Salomov, ConsulGeneral of Uzbekistan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, the two companies will join hands in designing and providing medium to large-scale solar solutions for generating clean renewable electricity, as well as collaborating on projects to use solar energy for water recycling and desalination Both parties have committed to investing the necessary funds and will focus their efforts to grow the cooperation to more than US$100 million over five years.

ADNOC AND BAKER HUGHES PARTNER TO ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENT OF GREEN HYDROGEN

ADNOC and Baker Hughes announced an agreement to accelerate the development and commercialization of technology solutions for green and low-carbon hydrogen, as well as graphene The agreement, which follows a strategic technology collaboration agreement signed between the two companies in November 2022, will see ADNOC collaborate with Baker Hughes as a strategic partner to study and pilot, the deployment of innovative solutions from Baker Hughes’ hydrogen portfolio These include new growth stage decarbonization technologies Baker Hughes has invested in across the graphene, methane pyrolysis, and next-generation electrolysis spaces The agreement was signed at the UAE CLIMATE TECH conference in Abu Dhabi, where over 1,000 global policymakers, innovators, and industrial leaders met to drive technological solutions for decarbonization The collaboration builds on ADNOC’s $15 billion commitment towards decarbonization projects by 2030.

STANDARD CHARTERED AND L&T PROVIDES FIRST GREEN GUARANTEE IN SAUDI ARABIA FOR GREEN HYDROGEN PROJECT AT NEOM

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L&T’s green h

L&T Saudi Arab LTIFZE manag project’s objec from renewabl

Saudi Arabia’s carbon emissio guarantee pro ensures finan development o for green hydro to the bank’ governance (ES

ACWA POWER, NANOSTONE WATER, AND KAUST FORGE PARTNERSHIP TO DRIVE SUSTAINABLE POWER, WATER DESALINATION, AND GREEN HYDROGEN INNOVATIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Ahas signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Inc , a global membrane solutions company, to knowledge transfer at the King Abdullah University Technology (KAUST) to evaluate Nanostone’s UF anes and process technology in seawater cations The collaboration between ACWA Power, Inc., and KAUST further position Saudi Arabia as a d innovation hub in frontier applications for r, water desalination, and green hydrogen, globally ship pursues applied industry-oriented research to t pretreatment process for seawater desalination superior protection and an extended lifetime for verse osmosis membranes This significant ven by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering dvancing sustainable and innovative technologies pelled by the unique environment that KAUST al and global partners of the highest caliber.

OMV AND MASDAR SIGN MOU TO COLLABORATE ON RENEWABLE ENERGY AND GREEN HYDROGEN INITIATIVES

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) announced at the “Make it in the Emirates” Forum in Abu Dhabi that it has supported a strategic collaboration agreement between ADNOC, John Cockerill Hydrogen, and Strata Manufacturing, aiming to manufacture electrolyzers in the UAE for local use and export Electrolyzers produce green hydrogen, an energy source made from renewables that do not emit carbon dioxide at the point of use The arrangements intended to be put in place as contemplated by the agreement enhances the development of the UAE’s green hydrogen economy through the in-country manufacturing of electrolyzers and support the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” initiative to promote local industry and create a favorable environment for investors

OMV and Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) have agr to jointly explore areas of collaboration in renewable energy proje and green hydrogen initiatives The MoU was signed on the sidel of the World Utilities Congress 2023 in Abu Dhabi At OMV, we fi believe that forging strong partnerships with innovators and o industry leaders in the energy sector is crucial in accelerating transformation toward becoming a Net-Zero company by 2050

OMV AND MASDAR SIGN MOU TO COLLABORATE ON RENEWABLE ENERGY AND GREEN HYDROGEN INITIATIVES

NWTN Inc , an eco-conscious technology company specializing in sustainable mobility solutions (NWTN), and CMEC Middle East Fze (CMEC ME), a subsidiary of China Machinery Engineering Corporation have been memorized in a non-binding memorandum of understanding. This preliminary alliance marks a pivotal moment for both organizations as they join forces to contribute to the UAE’s Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap and the country’s ambitious 2050 National Net Zero target This proposed partnership seeks to capitalize on the combined expertise, resources, and networks of NWTN and CMEC ME, aiming to enhance market presence, foster innovation, and deliver exceptional value to customers. NWTN is revolutionizing the transportation sector with its sustainable electric car solutions Additionally, NWTN is investing in green hydrogen technology, striving to facilitate the transition to clean energy through energy storage solutions for a more sustainable future

ADNOC, JOHN COCKERILL HYDROGEN, AND STRATA MANUFACTURING TO BOOST UAE’S HYDROGEN ECONOMY

ACWA POWER EXPANDS SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO IN UZBEKISTAN WITH GREEN HYDROGEN AGREEMENT

ACWA Power signed two significant agreements during the EBRD 2023 Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Samarkand in May 2023, marking a major milestone to advance Uzbekistan’s target to decarbonize 35% of its energy sector by 2030. The first set of agreements entails a groundbreaking partnership with Uzkimyosanoat, the national holding company for chemicals in Uzbekistan, to decarbonize the sector through innovative green hydrogen projects Construction will be executed in two phases achieving substantial reductions in natural gas consumption and carbon dioxide emissions The second set of agreements involves the signing of financing documents for the Karatau wind farm, formerly referred to as the Nukus Wind Project, with a total investment value of US$120 million.

SERVICE COMPANY S A O C, trading under Nama Water Services, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the History of Science Centre, GUtech The MoU aims to emphasize the importance of collaboration in the field of water services, specifically focusing on water reclamation and achieving net-zero carbon emissions The primary objective of this partnership is to foster cooperation in environmental academic research and develop joint projects in environmental matters. Under this MoU, the first major initiative will be the implementation of the Green Hydrogen Production project at both bench scale and pilot scale This groundbreaking initiative directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6, 12, and 13, aligning with the national commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050

NEOM ACCELERATES PROGRESS TOWARDS GREEN HYDROGEN FUTURE

NEOM has outlined a cle production of green hydrog market, playing a key role Crown Prince Mohammed Prime Minister, and Chairm Board of Directors’ vision to pave the way for the Kingd emissions by 2060 The mpany (NGHC) facility be he world’s largest comm duction facility in the wor ill produce an initial 60 day, which will be availa much as 5 million tonne ng the announcement HC – an equal joint ven wer, and Air Products – h on of financing secured uding the Saudi Industri onal Infrastructure Fund rnational

GREEN

EGYPT’S PRESIDENT DISCUSSES GREEN ENERGY AND HYDROGEN PROJECTS WITH NORWEGIAN COMPANY SCATEC

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, stated that the meeting followed up on Scatec’s growing investments in new and renewable energy, hydrogen and green fuel projects in Egypt. This included the green hydrogen production project in Ain Sokhna, which had already begun production for the first phase, making Egypt the first country in Africa to produce green hydrogen Other projects included two green ammonia co-production projects, in the Suez Canal economic zone with investments of approximately $6 billion and in Damietta with investments of about $870 million Another project is the 5 GW wind project, with investments of $5.6 billion over several phases in the coming years, in addition to the “green methanol” joint production project in Damietta, with investments of about $450 million

EGYPT’S PRESIDENT DISCUSSES GREEN ENERGY AND HYDROGEN PROJECTS WITH NORWEGIAN COMPANY SCATEC

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC –Masdar has signed an agreement with Airbus, the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe and a worldwide leader to support the development and growth of the global sustainable aviation fuel market. The agreement highlights areas of collaboration between the two companies, including Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Green Hydrogen, and Direct Air Capture technologies, as well as supporting the development and implementation of ‘book and claim’ solutions Direct Air Capture technologies enable the capturing of atmospheric CO2 which could,in combination with Hydrogen be used to produce synthetic SAF.

Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop clean hydrogen This will help to accelerate the global effort to reduce carbon footprint The MoU was inked on the sidelines of the World Hydrogen Summit held in Rotterdam Abdulaziz bin Salman said that the Netherlands would be the main destination for the transport of hydrogen from renewable sources in the Kingdom to Europe He also said that Netherlands and Germany will be Saudi Arabia’s “natural partners” in the green hydrogen trade “You have a plan, you’re building pipelines and storages on the ground,” the minister told Saudi Arabia is developing a green hydrogen project worth $5 billion in NEOM The project will be powered by renewable energies and produce 650 tons of carbon-free hydrogen per day. The first production will take place in 2026

SAUDI ARABIA AND THE NETHERLANDS SIGN MOU TO DEVELOP CLEAN HYDROGEN

YEMEN INAUGURATES SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS AT HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CENTRES IN HAJJAH

The President of the Supreme Political Council of Yemen, Marshal al Mehdi Al-Mashat, inaugurated several solar energy projects in hospitals and health centers across various provinces of Hajjah The projects, costing a total of 364,562,000 riyals, aim to install solar energy systems and reduce reliance on diesel consumption The Republican Hospital Authority received a solar power system with a capacity of 350 kW, funded by the Ministries of Finance and Health at 158,841,000 rials Other projects include the Kafal Shammar Rural Hospital (125 kW), martyr Dr Yasser Wathab Hospital (100 kW), al-Mahabesha Hospital (80 kW), Sharaf Kuhlan Rural Hospital (50 kW), alShahl Rural Hospital (30 kW), and Ku’idnah Hospital (30 kW)

Beyon Chairman, Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, announced the completion of Phase 2 of the Company’s Solar Park at a ceremony that took place today, in the presence of H E Kamal Bin Ahmed Mohamed, President of Electricity and Water Authority, H E Mohamed bin Thamer Al Kaabi, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, H.E. Yasser bin Ibrahim Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, H E Mrs Noor Bint Ali Al Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development, and Mr Mohamed Almoayyed Director YK Almoayyed & Sons.

ACWA Power along with its partners Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) and AlBawani Water & Power Company (AWP), have officially inaugurated Jubail 3A independent water desalination plant (Jazlah Water Desalination Company), after receiving the commercial operation certificate from Saudi Water Partnership Co (SWPC), to mark the start of full-time operations The $650 million Jazlah company project, located in Jubail, has achieved an exceptional world efficiency record of 2 8 kWh/cubic meter of water using Arabian Gulf Seawater Jazlah encompasses a 45 5 MW solar PV power generation facility, which will account for 20% of the plant’s energy consumption and will deliver clean water to over three million people at a recordbreaking tariff of 0 41 USD/m3, using reverse osmosis technology

KarmWater, a subsidiary of KarmSolar, has recently op the first solar-powered desalination plant in Marsa A According to the CEO of KarmSolar, the plant has a daily w production capacity of 300 cubic meters and is capab fulfilling 100% of the water needs of Red Sea Diving Sa Marsa Shagra resort The project operates under a 25 water purchase agreement While the plant currently r partially on renewable energy, the goal is to transition to solar operation by 2033.

ACWA POWER INAUGURATES SAUDI ARABIA’S FIRST INTEGRATED WATER DESALINATION-SOLAR PV PROJECT

BEYON COMPLETES FIRST DATA CENTRE IN BAHRAIN FULLY POWERED BY CLEAN ENERGY

RCSI BAHRAIN INAUGURATES 2.72 MW SOLAR PROJECT

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland –Medical University of Bahrain or RCSI Bahrain inaugurates a 2 72 MW solar project The members of the university’s Board of Governors, Executive Committee, officials, staff members, and students were also present during the launch His Excellency Mr Yaser bin Ibrahim Humaidan expressed his admiration for the Medical University of Bahrain’s decision to embrace renewable energy through its investment in a solar energy project, which fulfills approximately 65% of the university’s annual electricity requirements He emphasized the significance of transitioning to renewable energy initiatives and reducing reliance on conventional energy sources that rely on fossil fuels

BADEEL AND ACWA POWER SIGN POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR 4.55GWAC SOLAR PV PROJECTS IN SAUDI ARABIA

The ministry aims to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix to around 50% by 2030 with the remainder of the energy mix being supplied through high-efficiency gas-fueled power plants. PIF is currently developing a total of five projects, with a cumulative capacity of 8 GW and over US$6 billion of investment from PIF and its partners PIF’s renewable projects – Sudair, Shuaibah 2, Ar Rass 2, Al Kahfah, Saad 2 – are aiming to enable and support the local private sector through requirements for significant local content contribution and the procurement of equipment, supplies, and services through local supply chains “The three new solar projects are part of PIF’s commitment to developing 70% of Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy by 2030, in line with the National Renewable Energy Program.

MASDAR SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH UZBEKISTAN FOR 2 GW OF SOLAR AND WIND PROJECTS

A

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani marked a significant milestone as he laid the foundation stone for Erbil province’s inaugural solar power plant The event highlighted the importance of developing eco-friendly energy sources and underscored the public’s responsibilities in managing energy payments and reducing overconsumption Addressing a gathering of esteemed attendees, Prime Minister Barzani expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Electricity and the companies involved in this momentous project The solar power plant is poised to generate an impressive 25 MW of electricity per hour, serving as a pioneering venture in Erbil with the potential for future expansion across the Kurdistan region

bu Dhabi Future – Masdar signed agreement (JDA) w of Energy (MoE) Investments, Indus develop over 2 gig projects and 500 m energy storage at Central Asian cou represents deepe the UAE’s clean e Uzbekistan, which its energy mix fro The Central Asian and sunshine, is a for Masdar. Uzbek GW of solar and 5 the end of the deca

SIRAJPOWER COMPLETES 2.9 MW SOLAR ROOFTOP PROJECT AT AL TAJIR GLASS INDUSTRIES

S

irajPower has successfully commissioned a 2 9 MWp solar rooftop project at Al Tajir Glass Industries’ manufacturing facility in Jebel Ali Industrial Area The project, now fully operational, is expected to generate 4 6 GWh of clean energy annually, offsetting over 2,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions per year, equivalent to nearly 238 million smartphones charged. This project aligns with the UAE’s focus on implementing long-term sustainable practices, as 2023 has been declared as the Year of Sustainability in the UAE The initiative is also in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to promote sustainable practices and transition towards a greener economy in the UAE

ERBIL PROVINCE ADVANCES CLEAN ENERGY GOALS WITH THE LAUNCH OF SOLAR POWER PLANT

IRAN TO ESTABLISH AT

SOLAR PARK IN EACH PROVINCE

Liban Cables, a Nexans company, has inaugurated the extension of its 600-kW peak solar power ystem at its Nahr Ibrahim industrial facility, leading to a total output power of 1 2 MW at peak with a first-of-its-kind 500 kW containerized battery solution This project will allow Liban Cables to educe greenhouse gas emissions by 1,500 tons per year, which is equivalent to the weight of 750 cars, by replacing two of its six electric generators with photovoltaic panels. The 3,020 photovoltaic panels installed at Liban Cables and connected to the plant with Nexans solutions will generate over 1,800 MWh per year

The head of Iran’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Organization, SATBA, has stated that his organization intends to establish at least a solar park in every province in partnership with Iran Small Industries and Industrial Parks Organization or ISIPO The SATBA chief announced last month that 110,000 solar power stations with a fivekilowatt (KW) capacity would be built for lowincome families in the current Iranian year (which began on March 21) Kamani announced also that the tender to build solar power plants with a capacity of 2,200 MW wil also be held this year This is a leftover from the previous year’s plan to construct solar power stations of 4,000 MW

GAC Bahrain has reached a major milestone in its its sustainability with the installation of more than 55 on the rooftop of its warehouse in Bahrain Investme Hidd. The solar array is expected to generate up to of clean and renewable energy annually and Bahrain’s CO2 emissions by more than 485 tonn about 195 tonnes of standard coal savings in the f offsetting equivalent of saving approximately 26,298

Lebanese Minister of Energy Walid Fayyad signed contracts with 11 companies in the private sector to build solar power stations with a 15 MW capacity per station Fayyad stated that solar energy produced by the 11 power stations would be sold for different prices. The Bekaa region power plants will charge 5 7 U S cents per kilowatt hour, while power plants throughout the rest of the nation will charge 6 27 U S cents per kilowatt hour

LEBANON SIGNS CONTRACTS WITH 11 COMPANIES FOR

15 MW SOLAR POWER PLANTS

Lebanese Minister of Energy Walid Fayyad signed contracts with 1 companies in the private sector to build solar power stations th a 15 MW capacity per station Fayyad stated that solar energy oduced by the 11 power stations would be sold for different ices The Bekaa region power plants will charge 5 7 U S cents per owatt hour, while power plants throughout the rest of the nation ll charge 6 27 U S cents per kilowatt hour

DEWA COMMISSIONS 200 MW OF 5TH PHASE OF WORLD’S LARGEST SOLAR PARK

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced the commissioning of new 200 MW from the 900 MW fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park using photovoltaic solar panels, ahead of schedule, using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model With this achievement, 800 MW of the fifth phase has been commissioned, bringing the current production capacity of the solar park, which DEWA is implementing, to 2,327 MW using photovoltaic solar panels and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies. This is about 15.7% of the total production capacity of energy in Dubai, which has reached 14,817 MW

LEAST ONE

LEBANON SIGNS CONTRACTS WITH 11 COMPANIES FOR 15 MW SOLAR POWER PLANTS

LIBAN CABLES EXTENDS SOLAR POWER SYSTEM AT NAHR IBRAHIM FACILITY, LEBANON

GAC BAHRAIN INSTALLS MORE THAN 550 SOLAR PANELS TO BOOST SUSTAINABILITY

PROJECTS >

ACWA POWER SIGNS EPC CONTRACT FOR 1.4 GW OF SOLAR PV PROJECTS IN UZBEKISTAN WITH ENERGY CHINA GROUP

ACWA Power announced the signing of an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with Energy China Group Corporation (CEEC) for a solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

According to CEEC, the solar project, in conjunction with a 1 2 GW energy storage project in Uzbekistan, will “tremendously improve Uzbekistan’s green power supply capacity and new energy development level” Also, CEEC will continue to leverage its advantages in project construction and management, maintenance, investment, and operation to collaborate with ACWA Power

ACWA POWER AND MASDAR SUBMIT BIDS FOR MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM SOLAR PARK PHASE 6

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority PJSC (DEWA) received two bids from ACWA Power and Masdar Masdar submitted the lowest bid of USD 1 62154 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the 1,800MW 6th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park using photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model This phase will become operational in stages starting from Q4 of 2024

THINK TANK >

Oman Electricity Transmission Company To Boost Renewable Energy Capacity With 2 25GW By 2026

Kuwait Aims To Produce 15% Of Grid’s Renewable Energy By 2023

GCC Banks’ Exposure To High-Risk Sectors In The Energy Transition Has Been Stable In The Past 3 Years – Report

Gulf Nations Invest To Accelerate Deployment Of Renewable Energy –Study

Overdependency On Gas And Lack Of Supportive Policies Hinder Renewable Power Growth In Qatar, Says Report

The UAE Has Committed $163 Billion Investment For Its Net-Zero Pledges; Needs $500 Billion More – Report

Qatar Emerges As Key Player In MENA Cleantech Industry With $75 Billion Investment Potential

COVER STORY

SAUDI ARABIA'S SOLAR REVOLUTION: POLICYINITIATIVES POLICYINITIATIVES

ANDTECHNOLOGICAL

ANDTECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS ADVANCEMENTS

Saudi Arabia, a country historically recognized for its enormous oil reserves, is going through an incredible shift in its energy industry The nation has recently started a solar revolution, propelled by a mix of innovative legislative initiatives and amazing technological developments Due to several variables, Saudi Arabia's embrace of solar energy is of utmost importance The nation's year-round abundance of sunlight, which offers a priceless and sustainable resource for energy generation, is first and foremost Saudi Arabia can lessen its reliance on fossil fuels, protect its oil supplies for future generations, and lessen the environmental effect associated with conventional energy sources by utilizing this solar potential

Policy Initiatives: Several bold policy initiatives are the cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's solar revolution Launching the Saudi Vision 2030, a thorough blueprint outlining the nation's transition from an economy dependent on oil to one that is diverse and sustainable, was one of the major turning points The National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP) was developed within this framework to create renewable energy projects and raise the proportion of renewable energy sources in the nation's energy mix

By 2030, the NREP established an ambitious goal of producing 58 7 GW of renewable energy, with solar energy accounting for a sizable share of that total. The government developed several incentives to accomplish this goal, including long-term power purchase agreements, open bidding procedures, and alluring financial structures to draw both domestic and foreign investors

Amazing technological developments have been the driving force behind Saudi Arabia's solar revolution Utilizing its ample sunlight resources, the nation has embraced cutting-edge solar technologies The main proponents of the solar industry are now solar PV and concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies

Due to its capacity to store thermal energy, CSP technology in particular has gained popularity in Saudi Arabia. This enables continuous power generation even when it is not daytime The Noor Energy 1 project, which

includes cutting-edge parabolic troughs and molten salt storage technologies, is being created in the desert region of the Kingdom and will be the largest CSP project in the world when finished

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has seen major advancements in PV technology. Utility-scale solar PV project installations have increased dramatically across the nation as a result of falling costs and rising PV panel efficiency Bifacial modules and single-axis tracking systems are two technological developments that have improved the performance and dependability of solar installations

Worldwide Impact and Future Prospects: The solar revolution in Saudi Arabia has had a significant impact not only on the nation but also on a worldwide level Saudi Arabia is decreasing its carbon footprint, diversifying its energy sources, and helping the world battle climate change by adopting renewable energy. Additionally, the nation has made large investments in solar infrastructure and technology, which have speed up innovation and reduced costs globally, and made solar energy more accessible and financially viable for many countries

The solar sector in Saudi Arabia is anticipated to expand further in the future The government's dedication to renewable energy and the challenging goals established by the NREP offers a solid basis for future growth. The creation of cutting-edge energy storage devices, as well as the investigation of novel ideas like floating solar farms and solar-powered desalination facilities, are the main areas of current research and development

The solar revolution in Saudi Arabia is proof of the revolutionary potential of new laws and scientific discoveries The nation has become a global leader in the field of renewable energy thanks to policy innovations and large financial commitments In addition to providing a greener option to conventional energy sources, Saudi Arabia's solar business also fosters economic diversification, job creation, and environmental protection Saudi Arabia's solar revolution is a bright example of a country's dedication to a greener, more sustainable future as the globe moves towards a clean energy future

LKVerma

Founder & Managing Director

PowernSun

Revolutionizing the Solar Industry: Introducing PNS One, a Game-Changing Software for Streamlined Operations

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

PNS One, a software program developed by Power and Sun, aims to streamline and optimize the entire supply chain process in the solar industry, reducing the time spent from 3 to 4 hours to just 5 to 6 minutes

PNS One stands out from other software options by offering three key modules with critical sub-modules, including lead management and customer relationship management (CRM), solar proposal formation with advanced analysis features, and monitoring and ticketing capabilities

With PNS One, the time-consuming process of sending out techno-commercial proposals for inquiries is reduced from 4 to 5 hours to less than 10 minutes, resulting in a 400-500% increase in efficiency for businesses in the solar industry

QPNS one, a software program for the solar industry is being introduced by Power and Sun. So how could you introduce and sell this software in the Middle East market efficiently?

PNS One, a software program for the solar industry, is being introduced by Power and Sun However, our main objective is not to sell the software but rather to support our existing clients and simplify their processes. The software we have developed aims to streamline and optimize the entire supply chain process, reducing the time spent from 3 to 4 hours to just 5 to 6 minutes Our focus is on facilitating and aligning with our clients to enhance their operational efficiency

QThe solar sector in the Middle East is expanding and changing quickly. How would you describe Pns One as a ground-breaking and crucial instrument for boosting productivity and streamlining procedures in the sector? How would you set it apart from already available software options on the market?

The Middle East market currently has limited software and applications available for the solar industry However, in Europe and the Indian market, there are a few applications in use PNS One stands out by offering three key modules, each with critical sub-modules Firstly, it provides comprehensive lead management and customer relationship management (CRM) tools for installers, EPCs, and resellers Secondly, it includes an analyzer and solar proposal formation module, encompassing site survey reports, shadow analysis, thread visualization, and CLU (presumably a solarrelated feature) Lastly, the software offers monitoring, ticketing, and management features PNS One caters to the needs of EPCs, installers, and reseller companies in the solar industry

Currently, the solar industry experiences a conversion rate of around 10 to 15% from inquiries or quotations to actual business However, the process of converting inquiries is time-consuming, requiring approximately 4 to 5 hours to send out a techno-commercial proposal for each inquiry In contrast, with PNS One, the same proposal can be generated in less than 10 minutes This significant reduction in time translates to over a 400-500% increase in efficiency Moreover, the software ensures precise accuracy and offers superior documentation compared to manual processes.

QHow could PNS one, be modified to meet the particular project management, Monitoring and reporting requirements of utility scale projects?

First and foremost, it is crucial to define what falls under the category of C&I (Commercial and Industrial) and utility scale in the solar industry This classification varies from country to country. For instance, in African countries, 10 megawatts or even 5 megawatts may be considered utility scale However, in India or the Middle East, even 100 megawatts may not fall within the utility scale category As a general guideline, utility scale typically refers to projects above 20-30 megawatts Undertaking such projects requires significant commitment and time from both consumers and companies involved in Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and project development

The primary market opportunity lies in the C&I and residential sectors These sectors have a large customer base, and when technology or an industry reaches a wide audience, it becomes more impactful than focusing solely on a few utility-scale projects Our focus has always been on serving the C&I and residential sectors, as these businesses often lack the necessary resources to efficiently manage their solar operations By facilitating and simplifying the solar adoption process for these sectors, we aim to empower businesses and individuals who would otherwise face

Our goal is to boost productivity and simplify procedures in the Middle East's rapidly expanding solar sector, ultimately accelerating the region's solarization process."

QIn the software sector, data security, and privacy are crucial. When promoting and implementing Pns One in the Middle East, how would you handle worries about data security and privacy?

In today's interconnected world, all countries are part of a global village Operating software applications like ours requires compliance with rules and regulations specific to each country We have developed PNS One to be accessible through platforms such as Android, iOS, and the cloud These platforms ensure regulatory checks and adherence to the governing regulations. Additionally, international laws exist to define data usage and privacy, and we have implemented disclaimers accordingly This adherence to legal standards is a standard practice

Furthermore, Powernsun is renowned for its strong business ethics and values Our operations span multiple countries, including Dubai, India, Sri Lanka, Georgia, Morocco, South Africa, Germany, and the Netherlands In each of these locations, we have established legal entities and warehouses. This enables us to maintain a highly controlled and aligned environment, fully compliant with local rules and testing regulations Our commitment to compliance extends beyond a single system or country, and it is a long-term dedication

QThe Middle East market for software solutions for the solar industry is competitive and has many well-established companies How may Pns One be promoted as a top software solution to obtain an edge over rivals in the area?

We have developed this software primarily for our internal use, aiming to facilitate our existing clients and expand our client base The main objective is not to sell the software itself The application is available in two versions: a free version and a professional version with unlocked modules It caters to two distinct groups of individuals: solar engineers who conduct on-site surveys and those who coordinate the process from the office, working together to complete assignments.

This software addresses the specific needs of both groups It provides features essential for on-site surveys, such as video documentation to capture location details, measurements, and other important information Additionally, it offers features that help consolidate and compile data in the office environment We have meticulously considered various aspects to ensure the software meets the requirements of solar engineers during site surveys and supports efficient coordination between field and office personnel

QDo you have any plans to launch the PNS One in the market for sale? So that other companies can also use the benefits of the same.

Our primary objective is not solely focused on selling the software While there is a price associated with the software, we have designed it in two versions The first version is free, allowing anyone to download it and engage in a limited set of activities However, we have implemented a time limit on the free version, typically one to two weeks, after which users are encouraged to purchase the software This approach enables us to maintain control over who is using the software and ensures its proper usage

The software is available for a nominal monthly fee of $20 to $25, which may be further discounted for annual payments When users make the payment, it is converted into credit points that can be utilized in their future interactions with us This creates a market space managed by our company For instance, if someone has used the software for three months and then establishes a business relationship with us, the amount they paid ($50-$60) during those three months will be adjusted in their subsequent interactions with Powernsun.

It is essential to highlight our vision, which is to expedite the solarization process in the regions where we operate Whether it's Dubai or India, we strive to accelerate the solarization process in collaboration with our clients Furthermore, we have expanded our focus to include the digitization of solar energy Thus, PNS One represents a significant step in digitizing and streamlining the entire solarization process

REVOLUTIONIZING SOLAR PROJECT MANAGEMENT: INTRODUCING PNS-ONE, THE ULTIMATE AI BASED SOLAR SOLUTION

In line with our vision of digitalising and speeding up solarisation, we at Power n Sun have created a new tool that will revolutionise how solar EPCs, installers and resellers connect, communicate, initiate and manage their solar projects and the business process of their clients

PnS-One is an innovative, AI-based solar application that is Android, IOS and Cloud-based It provides a seamless and reliable connection with our customers by accessing the App through their unique identity to create, transact, manage and store their data most securely

Pns-One is user friendly, effective and synchronised platform to provide CRM, Sales automation, Solar Site Survey, basic Pv design with detailed site survey reports, SLD, Shadow analysis, 3D visualisation, BOQ, project and inventory management, online market space, post-sales O&M and most importantly, a dashboard to view, control and manage the complete process It has both the features, on-site and back-office desk for practical and real-time connection with employees in the field and office

The PnS-One is the one-stop solar solution for the residential, commercial and Industrial sectors enabling techno-commercial offers in less than 10 minutes, and one can manage the entire solar sales, procurement and installation process in a jiffy, improving the efficiency by more than 500% End users can also use PnS One to plan, install, and monitor their solar rooftop projects, whether Online, Hybrid, or completely off-grid.

PnS-One will launch in more than 20 countries in phase 1 The online market space will have the selected products under the PnS portfolio and one page each for each manufacturing company PnS One has acceptance from most of the principal suppliers of the region

PnS one is available in two versions: Basic, free for all, and the Pro version, which is at a nominal amount The amount paid by the clients will be deducted from the purchases they make from PnS online market space, eventually making it free of cost for the regular users

Critical advantages of PnS market space will be - 100% product availability, hence short site lead time, resulting in optimised working capital deployment, best of the brands and most importantly, excellent prices with Local delivery

PnS-One empowers solar installers, EPCs and resellers and facilitates their business growth. The platform offers a range of features tailored to their needs

PnS One offers a full suite of features that address common challenges the solar industry faces, especially for small and medium enterprises

Faster Communication: Leverage modern technology to instantly connect your team, regardless of location, facilitating real-time troubleshooting and efficient information sharing

Better Data Collection: Gather comprehensive data to better understand your operations before making critical decisions

PnS-One's unified platform collects form data, pictures, and messages, eliminating the need for manual data juggling.

Simplified Project Management: Transform project status tracking from a tedious task into a seamless experience Assign tasks, analyse analytics, and make informed choices with ease

Tailored for Field and Office: PnsOne caters to the unique needs of both on-site and officebound professionals, fostering seamless collaboration between teams

Streamlined Administrative Work: Automate administrative tasks like report generation and data cleaning, saving valuable time and allowing you to focus on more important matters

Simplified Workflows: Pns One's cutting-edge technology enables efficient management of sales, execution, and operations while ensuring accountability and adherence to timelines

With Pns-One as your Solar partner, you can unlock the true potential of your solar business Experience enhanced efficiency, streamlined processes, and seamless team collaboration, resulting in better time, cost and quality management

Take charge of the Solarisation journey and contribute to a greener, sustainable future

SOLAR PANEL MANUFACTURING IN SAUDI ARABIA: LOCAL PRODUCTION AND GLOBAL IMPACT

Saudi Arabia, which is well-known for its enormous oil reserves, is making great progress in embracing renewable energy sources and diversifying its energy industry Solar energy is one of the main areas of attention, and the Kingdom wants to become a major producer of solar panels on a global scale. Saudi Arabia is meeting its domestic energy needs while also having a significant impact on the global renewable energy industry by encouraging local production and investing in renewable technologies

The Kingdom is committed to solar energy for several reasons Saudi Arabia has a distinct advantage in that it receives a lot of sunlight all year round With an average daily sunshine length of more than nine hours, the country's location makes it perfect for using solar power The potential for this renewable resource to supply the country's energy needs while reducing its dependency on fossil fuels is enormous

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia now has a huge opportunity due to the global trend towards renewable energy sources and falling solar technology costs In recognition of the long-term advantages of clean energy, the Kingdom has established aggressive goals for the growth of its solar industry The goal of Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic plan for economic diversification, is to produce 50% of the nation's electricity from renewable sources, with solar power playing a significant part

Saudi Arabia has started an ambitious strategy to localize solar panel manufacture to accomplish these goals The nation wants to build a strong manufacturing ecosystem that will draw both domestic and foreign investors To promote private sector involvement in the solar business, the government has put in place beneficial policies like subsidies, tax incentives, and expedited regulatory procedures

In addition to supplying its energy requirements, Saudi Arabia is committed to domestic production because it wants to become a major supplier of solar panels to other countries The Kingdom has the potential to become a significant player in the global solar business by using its comparative advantage of abundant sunlight and inexpensive electricity. This action supports efforts to fight climate change and cut global carbon emissions

Additionally, the growth of the domestic solar panel manufacturing sector has important socioeconomic ramifications It offers chances for the growth of a trained workforce, technology transfer, and job creation. The construction of manufacturing facilities in the Kingdom will give Saudi citizens job opportunities and boost the nation's economy Additionally, the country's technical capabilities will be improved and long-term sustainable growth will be supported by the transfer of technology and expertise from foreign partners

It is impossible to understate the influence Saudi Arabia's production of solar panels has on the world market The cost of solar panels may decrease globally as the Kingdom expands its production capacity Solar energy solutions will become more accessible to a greater population worldwide due to increased market competition driving down prices In turn, this will hasten the uptake of renewable energy sources and aid in the global energy sector's overall decarbonization.

Furthermore, other nations in the area and beyond may be inspired by Saudi Arabia's dedication to renewable energy The Kingdom serves as a role model for other countries looking to minimize their carbon footprint and adopt renewable sources by displaying its success in the production of solar panels and its shift to a more sustainable energy paradigm The coordinated worldwide effort to address climate change can benefit from this cascade effect

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's emphasis on domestic solar panel manufacture and its goal to become a hub for solar manufacturing on a worldwide scale are admirable milestones toward a sustainable future The Kingdom has been positioned as a prominent player in the renewable energy market thanks to its abundant solar resources, favorable government policies, and alluring investment prospects Saudi Arabia plays a critical role in lowering carbon emissions and advancing the global energy transition by embracing solar energy in addition to meeting its energy demands

MohamedSaady

Head of Technical Services & Product Management - MENA Jinko Solar

JinkoSolar's Leadership in PV Technology: Pioneering the Shift to TOPCon and Overcoming Challenges for MENA Adoption while Expanding Opportunities and Maintaining a Competitive Edge

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Pushing PV Technology Boundaries: JinkoSolar's transition from PERC to TOPCon showcases their commitment to advancing the industry and staying ahead of the competition

JinkoSolar actively tackles obstacles to TOPCon adoption in the MENA region through whitepapers, cost optimization, and reliability testing, ensuring feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and reliability

OPCon technology presents significant potential in the MENA region's solar industry, especially in high-temperature environments, offering improved efficiency, low-light performance, temperature coefficient, bi-faciality factor, and optimized degradation

QJinkoSolar has been at the forefront of the transition from PERC to TOPCon technology. What led the company to pioneer this shift, and what advantages does TOPCon offer over traditional PERC technology?

Jinko Solar has gained a leadership position in global PV market due to its focus in pushing the PV technology to the limits, few years ago Jinko Solar was one of the leaders in the market to swich from old technologies such as polycrystalline silicon to PERC, and this time Jinko Solar is also leading the market in switching from PERC to more advanced N-type technologies such as TOPCon, since PERC has reached its theoretical limits in terms of cell conversion efficiency, it was needed to look for another technology to lead the market, and after reviewing all the possible PV technologies, Jinko Solar found that TOPCon technology is most suited to replace the PERC and take the leadership position

QAs with any emerging technology, there are challenges to overcome What are the main challenges in the widespread adoption of TOPCon technology in the MENA region, and how is JinkoSolar addressing these challenges?

For every emerging technology, it should have three factors in order to be considered as mainstream technology:

To provide technology improvement over the old technology and to show good potential for improvements as well

To be feasible and cost effective.

To be reliable.

Jinko Solar has done tremendous efforts in addressing each of above points, by:

Publishing whitepapers related to TOPCon technology, concept, application and potential improvements

Optimizing the manufacturing costs so TOPCon can be very competitive in terms of pricing

Doing extensive reliability tests by reputed 3rd party labs and publishing the results so the industry can see how much reliable TOPCon is

QCould you highlight some of the current opportunities for TOPCon technology in the MENA region's solar industry? Are there any specific market segments or applications that hold significant potential for its adoption?

TOPCon offers much improved technical specs compared to PERC such as:

Improved cell efficiency and low light performance

Reduced temperature coefficient

Improved bi-faciality factor

Optimized degradation

These improvements will be noticed in every scenario and every site, but they will be even manifested more in high temperature environment such as MENA where the TOPCon modules will outperform PERC modules by at least 5%, and this value is based of many studies and pilot projects

QWhat are the key advantages and selling points of JinkoSolar's TOPCon technology that differentiate it from competitors?

Jinko Solar has started the mass production of TOPCon modules one year before any major supplier in the market, this gave Jinko Solar an edge in optimizing the TOPCon production even further and solve any issue related to mass production, and now in 2023 Jinko Solar has improved the TOPCon technology by implementing the Selective Emitter (SE) technology, so Jinko TOPCon in 2023 and more improved and optimized than anybody else in the market, and this was reflected in improved cell efficiency and power class and optimized specs

SOLAR DESALINATION IN SAUDI ARABIA: TAPPING RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR WATER SECURITY

Saudi Arabia is not an exception to the urgent problem of water scarcity that many nations face The Kingdom is looking to innovate solutions to manage its water demands due to limited freshwater supplies and a quickly expanding population Solar desalination, which uses renewable energy to turn seawater into freshwater, is one such remedy. Saudi Arabia is solving its problems with water security and paving the way for sustainable water management worldwide by utilizing its abundant sunlight

Although Saudi Arabia's location along the Arabian Gulf coast gives them easy access to seawater, conventional desalination techniques rely heavily on fossil fuels, which raise carbon emissions and hasten climate change Solar desalination provides a greener option by utilizing the sun, which is the nation's most abundant resource Saudi Arabia has the perfect climate for solar-powered desalination, with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine on average each year

Solar desalination involves using solar energy to power the desalination facilities, which use different processes like solar distillation or reverse osmosis to extract salt and contaminants from saltwater Solar desalination greatly reduces carbon emissions and environmental effects by doing away with the requirement for fossil fuels It is completely consistent with Saudi Arabia's dedication to sustainable growth and clean energy

Numerous advantages result from Saudi Arabia's implementation of solar desalination First off, it offers a regenerative source of drinkable water, easing the burden on freshwater resources Solar desalination offers a dependable and sustainable alternative to address the Kingdom's growing water needs as a result of its expanding population, industries, and agriculture

Solar desalination facilities can also be set up in isolated locations without access to traditional water infrastructure These off-grid options make it possible to supply communities and businesses without access to the main water distribution network with safe water Solar desalination improves water security and resilience by decentralizing water production, especially in dry areas.

The possibility of cost savings is yet another benefit of solar desalination Solar desalination has the potential to drastically reduce operational costs over the long term, despite the energy-intensive and expensive nature of conventional desalination techniques Desalinated water becomes more available and affordable for the general public as a result of abundant and free solar energy which removes or drastically reduces the need for expensive fossil fuels

The use of solar desalination technology in Saudi Arabia also promotes job and economic growth For solar desalination facilities to be established, engineering, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance expertise are all necessary Due to the potential this creates for local businesses and workforce development, the demand for competent workers in the field of renewable technology is growing Additionally, Saudi Arabia has now been positioned as a pioneer in sustainable water solutions thanks to the export potential of solar desalination technology, creating new opportunities for economic diversification.

Saudi Arabia's deployment of solar desalination has relevance beyond its domestic effects Global water scarcity is an issue, and many regions experience comparable difficulties The Kingdom encourages other nations to look at renewable energy-based solutions for water security by proving the potential and effectiveness of solar desalination. The adoption of solar desalination can be accelerated by cooperative efforts and knowledge exchange, resulting in a more sustainable and water-secure future for everybody

In conclusion, solar desalination offers Saudi Arabia a promising option to handle its problems with water security in a long-term manner The Kingdom uses renewable energy for water production, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels and lessening environmental effects by utilizing its abundant sunlight to power desalination plants In addition to offering a consistent source of fresh water, solar desalination promotes economic development, job creation, and information exchange Saudi Arabia leads the globe in the adoption of renewable energy, paving the way for other countries to do the same and advancing global water security and sustainability.

Advancements in Rooftop Solar System: Successful Physical Meet by SOFAR and LONGi Explores Project Models & Technology

A Physical Meet on “Advancements in Project Models & Technology of Rooftop Solar System” was successfully held on June 8, 2023 at Lancaster Plaza, Beirut The event, powered by LONGi, SOFAR and Noon brought together Lebanese industry experts, installers, sales engineers, and personnel from EPC companies to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the field of solar energy It was a successful event with an attendance if 80 participants and 100% occupancy

This was the first physical launch of “LONGi Solar Academy” in Beirut, it is an all-encompassing training program aimed at equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the solar energy industry The Solar Academy, guided by the motto “Everyone is Potential to be a Solar Expert!”, is dedicated to providing accessible and tailored training to support companies in the Middle East region Participants gained valuable insights and skills into solar technologies and LONGi’s cutting-edge solutions, enhancing their expertise in the field

Throughout the event, distinguished speakers shared their expertise, delving into installation best practices, performance optimization, and the seamless integration of solar energy system components And installer ‘s representative shared the successful installation experience of Hi-MO6 products, which is the first Hi-MO6 rooftop project in Lebanon, with 40kW capacity, fully completed by Noon for Renewable Energy. The engaging discussions fostered networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with like-minded professionals who share a passion for renewable energy

The training sessions conducted by LONGi Solar Academy covered a wide range of topics, including solar knowledge, customized training,

The Physical Meet on 'Advancements in Project Models & Technology of Rooftop Solar System' was not only a successful gathering of Lebanese industry experts, installers, sales engineers, and personnel from EPC companies, but also a testament to the power of collaboration and knowledge exchange in driving the solar energy industry forward.

site audits, joint certifications in collaboration with local authorities and e-learning opportunities Attendees had the chance to explore the features, benefits, and applications of the HIMO6 Panels, discovering how these advancements can elevate their solar energy projects to new heights

The Physical Meet witnessed a strong attendance of industry professionals, including sales engineers, experts from EPC companies, and representatives from various organizations involved in the solar energy sector The event provided a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and inspiration, driving the industry forward

As the event came to a close, the organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the advancement of solar energy technologies and the growth of the industry

LONGi Middle East and Next Solar Announce Strategic Partnership to Promote Clean Energy in the Middle East

LONGi Middle East, a leading global solar technology company, and Next Solar, Lebanon's largest and most reliable solar distributor, are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership aimed at driving the widespread adoption of clean energy solutions in the Middle East The agreement was officially signed on June 10, 2023, in the beautiful region of Biuret, Lebanon. The signatories of this significant agreement were Mr Baggio Teng, Head of the Middle East Representative Office, LONGi and Mr Mohamad Mneimneh, the CEO of Next Solar

This partnership brings together the expertise and strengths of both companies to accelerate the growth of the solar energy market in the Middle East LONGi Solar's renowned reputation for high-quality solar products and Next Solar's extensive experience as a trusted distributor of premium solar components make this collaboration a powerful force in advancing sustainable energy solutions

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Baggio Teng commented "We are delighted to extend our presence in Lebanon through a partnership with Next Solar This marks a significant step towards a sustainable and clean energy future With LONGi's cutting-edge solar solutions and Next Solar's expertise, we are confident in our joint ability to deliver reliable and efficient renewable energy solutions and improve the overall quality of life in this region "

Mr Mohamad Mneimneh, CEO of Next Solar, Said "As the acting CEO of Next Solar, it brings me great pleasure to partner with LONGi I am certain that our collaboration will be the mark of a fruitful begging I thank LONGi for their trust and will ensure that Next Solar will live up to its name as their reliable solar partner "

The partnership between LONGi Middle East and Next Solar will focus on enhancing the availability and affordability of solar products and solutions across the Middle East Through joint marketing efforts and training programs, the companies aim to increase awareness and understanding of solar technology, enabling businesses and homeowners to make informed decisions about clean energy adoption

The Middle East is a region with abundant sunlight, and harnessing this renewable resource is crucial to meet the growing energy demands sustainably By combining LONGi's cutting-edge solar technology with Next Solar's market knowledge and distribution network, this partnership seeks to play a pivotal role in driving the transition to clean energy in the Middle East

Sunpure, leading full-scene PV Intelligent cleaning robot and one-stop service provider

The Middle East is set to become a market leader in renewable energy Up to 90GW of renewable energy capacity, mainly solar and wind power, is planned across the MENA region over the next 10- 20 years

Yet harsh environment and desert climate pose challenges for PV projects Vast deserts and various extreme climatic conditions are very likely to cause sand accumulation in the modules which will lead to soil loss The range of soil loss could be incredibly wide even though you manually clean the PV module rather often Why risk the loss of power generation when Sunpure is providing intelligent robotic cleaning solutions that could solve the problems?

Inherent advantages paired with customized solutions for the MENA

Sunpure’s intelligent PV cleaning solution has three main unique advantages in the MENA region:

Firstly, it is water-free cleaning, a fully automatic intelligent cleaning solution to make sure water-less operation;

Secondly, it is module friendly, and the cleaning brush can operate reliably whether in high or low temperatures, which is also anti-UV aging and can offer an effective solution to dust pollution;

Lastly, a local technical team provides a response service commitment within 48 hours.

Sunpure attaches great importance to the MENA market and has successfully delivered its products at various locations such as Red Sea and Rabigh in KSA, with a cumulative delivery of more than 1GW It’s a great honor that Sunpure has become an indispensable supplier of PV cleaning robots in this market. For the next step, Sunpure will continue to engage the MENA market, accelerate the localization process, understand local demands, shorten the service response time and provide more cost-effective services to serve clients in the MENA region

Fastest growing PV robotic cleaning solution provider globally

It is worth mentioning that Sunpure has launched the new system -SmartPure Cloud Platform Based on AI, Edge computing and IoT technology, the system provides PV power plant with an intelligent, convenient, efficient, and safe solution through intelligent methods such as remote monitoring and management, full-dimensional perception of the power plant site, one-stop access with intelligent equipment, and remote issuance of operation strategies to fully meet the management needs of administrators

In addition, Sunpure completed the Pre-A round of financing worth tens of millions of dollars in July 2022, led by GL Ventures The financing from well-known ventures is a significant milestone and favorable proof that the company will continue to grow steadily and healthily.

About Sunpure

As the leading player in PV cleaning robot industry, Sunpure Technology specializes in R&D, manufacturing, sales and service The product line covers PV railed, trackless cleaning robots and intelligent shuttles Based on the cloud platform and big data technology, the company has launched the SmartPure cloud platform to provide a full-scene intelligent cleaning solution for the industry

Up to now, Sunpure Technology has obtained over 130 patents and has the industry's first TUV Eyewitness Laboratory Over 10 offices and service outlets in the Middle East, India, Latin America and China are set to create greater asset value for global customers Sunpure Technology has signed PV Cleaning Robot for a cumulative 7 6GW globally, covering 12 countries

Sunpure is recognized as the fastest growing PV robotic cleaning solution provider globally and has launched the SmartPure Cloud Platform, utilizing AI, Edge computing, and IoT technology to offer intelligent remote monitoring, management, and operation strategies for PV power plants.

Sunpure Unveils “Venus” the Cutting-Edge Railed PV Cleaning Robot

Sunpure was proud to launch their 3rd generation PV railed cleaning robot “Venus” at SNEC PV Power Expo in Shanghai, China

To match the ever-changing PV cleaning requirements to address severe soiling loss, Sunpure’s new robot “Venus” is designed in a lighter, smarter, and more economical way.

Lighter

The robot upgrades its hardware with a more dynamic and exquisite appearance By replacing the metal-cased body with an optimized triangular force path structure, the weight has been reduced 30%, the robot is lighter and more friendly to the panels And the twistable body is also suitable to overcome difficult terrains especially for plants equipped with trackers

Smarter

The robot hits a new level of intelligence since it is able to analyze and make decisions by itself Through the equipped intelligent control system, the robot can adjust its operation strategies such as active attitude adjustment, positioning through multi-mode, and instant recognition of road conditions Manual intervention is reduced to a minimum and O&M is easier

More economical

“Venus” is more flexible in customization due to the modular design On one hand, wider version of robots improves the ability of gapcrossing, thereby significantly reducing the requirements of engineering materials such as bridges between panels; on the other

hand, installation and maintenance are also faster and cheaper, bringing a new cleaning experience for PV power plants.

“By increasing R&D investment to adapt to the various industry requirements & trends, Sunpure has developed a full range of intelligent PV cleaning robot products which are operational in all terrains This robot is our milestone in technology and our sincerity to the market and will empower PV plants to achieve higher output,” cited by Ms Zoe Hu, Chairman & CEO of Sunpure

About Sunpure

Sunpure Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd. (Sunpure Technology) founded in 2019, is the first eco-chain enterprise of Sungrow As one of the drafting companies for PV cleaning robot industry specification and standard, Sunpure Technology specializes in R&D, manufacturing, sales and service The product line covers PV railed 、 trackless cleaning robots, and intelligent shuttles Based on the cloud platform and big data technology, company has launched the SmartPure cloud platform to provide a full-scene intelligent cleaning solution for the industry

Up to now, Sunpure Technology has obtained 130 patents and has the industry's first TUV Eyewitness Laboratory Over 10 offices and service outlets in the Middle East, India, Latin America and China are set to create greater asset value for global customers Sunpure Technology has signed PV Cleaning Robot for a cumulative 7 6 GW globally, covering 12 countries

Going Beyond Soiling: Measuring Cleaning Efficiency

Soiling has the power to impact the performance of solar modules significantly, reduce energy output and potentially damage panels through abrasion If that's not enough, with intense humidity it can lead to caking and cementation on the panels. Soiling is a pressing concern that shouldn't be overlooked, and the burning question is, how can we accurately measure its impact?

As the solar industry grows in the Middle East, soiling measurement solutions are crucial due to the economic value associated with losses. There are various commercially available solutions and monitoring techniques, divided into two main technologies of PV Reference or Optical Sensors, which have initially developed to detect soiling and assess its impact

Measurement testing for soiling faces challenges due to the nonuniformity of soiling levels across PV panels. Variations in soiling can occur based on the panel's location, with panels near site edges or roads experiencing significantly higher soiling losses compared to panels in the middle Proper monitoring with multiple testing points across the site is necessary to focus on the most problematic areas Measurement devices typically report accuracy rates ranging from ±0.3% to ±1%, while factors like solar angle dependency and panel temperature can affect measurement accuracy, requiring corrections for precise assessment of the electrical impact of soiling throughout the day

The varying accuracies of soiling measurement devices highlight the importance of proper setup and result interpretation for reliability and avoiding misleading outcomes While the need for accurate measurement is clear, the necessary technologies are still under development Continuous testing and development, along with sufficient long-term data, are crucial for precise monitoring of soiling levels and improving measurement accuracy Compliance with the IEC 61724-1:2021 standard set by the International Electro-technical Commission is essential for ensuring reliable measurements.

As the solar industry continues to grow, there is an increasing need for reliable and accurate soiling measurement solutions to maximize energy output and mitigate economic losses The future lies in advancements in soiling measurement technologies and analysis techniques.

In recent years, various autonomous robotic cleaning solutions have gained significant attention for achieving near-perfect cleaning results, making performance guarantee a critical tool. According to a recent study conducted in 2022 in the Middle East region, Ecoppia, a global leader in robotic cleaning solutions, demonstrated impressive outcomes, as the study revealed an average of 99 5% soiling removal rate on daily cleaning efficiency After consecutive days of no cleaning, an assessment confirmed the remarkable cleaning effectiveness with an efficiency of 99.2% and no observed panel scratches, thanks to the use of soft microfibers, even though a significant amount of soiling got accumulated on the module until cleaning was performed These results showcase outstanding performance as it translates into amplified energy production and substantial cost savings, rendering Ecoppia's robotic solutions highly appealing

Keeping solar panels clean and operating at their peak capacity has been leading the industry to seek performance guarantees in addition to other guarantees and warranties It is no wonder that site owners are turning to innovative technologies to increase energy output and reduce costs, and with the latest advancements, the future of soil measuring and analyzing cleaning effectiveness in the Middle East, still requires a deeper investigation

Ecoppia in numbers

Deployed +4,000MW

+16,000MW

Signed agreements

About Ecoppia

For over a decade, Ecoppia has been the world's leader in robotic cleaning solutions for PV The company's cloud-based platform and suite of advanced solutions offer fully autonomous robots that cost-effectively maximize the performance of utility-scale PV sites Remotely managed and controlled, the Ecoppia platform allows solar sites to maintain peak performance with minimal costs and human intervention With offices in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and LATAM, Ecoppia is a publicly traded company with a global presence

Scale projects 4 continents

+9 Billion

+35 Large panels cleaned

Ecoppia, a global leader in robotic cleaning solutions, has demonstrated remarkable outcomes through its advanced technology. A study conducted in the Middle East revealed an average soiling removal rate of 99.5% on a daily basis, even after consecutive days without cleaning.

IN CONVERSATION

Eng.IbrahimR.Gerges

Senior Operations Manager, Solar Arabia Co Ltd

Navigating Saudi Arabia's Solar Energy Regulatory Landscape: Solar Arabia's Approach to Environmentall Friendly Solutions

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Vision 2030 and National Renewable Energy Program: Saudi Arabia's initiatives to transition to renewable energy and reduce oil dependence. Solar Arabia Company supports Saudi Arabia's goals by aligning with Vision 2030 and the National Renewable Energy Program

Solar Arabia has a track record of serving major organizations like Saudi Aramco, Saudi Electric Company, and Saudi Telecom Company

QCould you give a general overview of Saudi Arabia's present solar energy regulatory environment? How does your company work around these rules to provide environmentally friendly solutions?

Renewable energy policy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a central component of the country’s Vision 2030 Vision 2030 is a strategic framework to reduce KSA’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors, health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism

The National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) is considered a strategic initiative under the King Salman’s Initiative for Renewable Energy This program is overseen by the Ministry of Energy (MOE) and aims to increase the KSA’s share in producing and diversify the country’s energy resources in order to reduce the dependence of KSA on its oil reserves; achieve a sustainable mix of renewable energy sources; reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of the Paris Agreement; and create jobs and facilitate sustainable and long-term social development in line with KSA’s Vision 2030

With Kingdom’s vision on 2030, as KSA is aiming bigtime in reducing the carbon emissions and proceeding towards clean energy, renewable energy, specifically Solar Energy is aiming huge requirement Country’s

vision in establishing utility scale establishing renewable energy NEOM, Red Sea Al-Ula, making hub for EV manufacturing, we b right path is already woven Ev Arabia started as British Petroleu 1989, we established the first manufacturing line for state-of-th panels and PWM based controllers and we have b companies like Saudi Aramco, Company, Saudi Telecom Com achieve their clean energy demands and goals

QWhat potential markets do you see for solar energy in Saudi Arabia, and how well-positioned is your company to take advantage of them?

The continued rise of electricity demand in Saudi Arabia means that power generation must expand. Conventional generation is a major cause of environmental pollution and negatively impacts human health through greenhouse gas emissions It is therefore essential that an alternative method of generation is found that preserves the environment and health and would support existing conventional generation during peak hours Saudi Arabia is geographically suitable because it is located in the so-called sun belt, which has led it to become one of the largest solar energy producers Solar energy is a serious competitor to conventional generation when the indirect costs of fossil fuels are included Thus, processing sunlight via photovoltaic cells is an important method of generating clean energy This article proves that the cost of solar energy will be less than the cost of fossil fuel energy if the cost of the environmental and health damages is taken into account

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is blessed with empty lands and adequate sun light which makes it

necessary technical supports

QSaudi Arabia has set high goals for renewable energy. What role does Solar Arabia Company play in attaining these objectives, and how will this affect the nation's energy transition?

The need for energy security has never been more critical in the history of mankind Amid heightened political tensions, energy diversification programs and sustainability initiatives are a key part of the global agenda today, and countries are working hard to achieve their net-zero targets within the stipulated deadline

As the world continues its journey to achieve zero emission targets, Saudi Arabia, a country that has been dependent on oil for several decades, is spearheading the energy transition mission in the Middle East region

Having its base rooted in the Kingdom for Last 34 years, specifically doing only Solar related activities, knowing the in and out regions, climate thoroughly, Solar Arabia team can perform way better than any other organizations in helping achieve the Kingdom’s renewable energy targets Whether it is On Grid, Off Grid or Hybrid technology, Solar Arabia team can design and execute the requirement with utmost professionally

QHow does Solar Arabia Company address worries about the erratic nature of solar electricity and make sure that its Saudi Arabian customers have a steady supply of energy?

As Kingdom is blessed with ample amount of Natural energy resources, local and industrial clients have been receiving subsidized energy To an extent, this was making Solar Energy look expensive, but as the news with the new regulatory board implications, it is evident that the energy costs are going to be expensive. With the gradual decline in Solar energy costs, we are helping the critical consumers enjoy their solar electricity by using most modern technologies like Bifacial Panels, highly efficient Inverters etc to achieve the maximum potential and help get the payback very faster. Places where grid power is unavailable, we are helping our clients to either proceed with either stand alone systems or Hybrid Systems

QHas Saudi Arabia's embrace of solar energy shown special promise in any particular fields or sectors?

How does your company meet the specific energy requirements of various industries?

Even much before commercialization of Solar PV applications, Solar Arabia established within the Kingdom since 1989, as we had a huge potential market here. It was earlier addressed to the much-needed sectors like Oil and Gas, Telecom etc In fact, the majority of the Offshore oil platforms, Pipe Lines, remote repeater telecom sites are still being functioned with the help of Solar Arabia made Solar PV Systems In that sense, we are fully adapted in meeting any of the client’s specific needs, no matter what type of requirement it is

IN CONVERSATION

QWhat part does technology play in Saudi Arabia's solar energy solutions from Solar Arabia Company? Do you use any cuttingedge methods or technology to maximize the production and efficiency of solar energy?

Ever since our establishment in Saudi Arabia, long back in 1989, we have been the pioneers in helping the Kingdom achieve its renewable energy requirements We were the first company in Middle east to establish a fully functional Solar Panel manufacturing line and PWM based Solar charge controller line Ever since then, we have been regularly updating our technologies according to the client’s demands and change in market requirement

Recently for a project, our newly introduced Self Cooled DC and Battery Cabinet with state of the art hot pluggable type MPPT controllers received a lot of appreciation. In the similar manner, our highly skilled and experienced technical team is capable of adapting to any of the latest technology to meet the market requirements

QHow does your company go about forming alliances and working together in the Saudi solar market? Can you provide examples of productive partnerships and how they affected business operations?

Ever since our establishment, Solar Arabia has always believed in localizing the state of the art technologies in meeting with the market trends and requirements We brought in many players all across the globe in successfully delivering our 12,000+ projects. In addition, for all our projects, we make sure to collaborate and promote local manufacturers to promote the local businesses the most In addition to all our previous achievements in bringing the international firms to KSA, we are now actively working towards establishing our new- state of the art battery manufacturing line in the kingdom

QHow would you assess the feasibility of a solar project in terms of its technical, economic, and regulatory aspects?

As far as Kingdom is concerned, due to its abundant solar energy availability, a high energy yield is obtained, provided the installation meets all the basic requirements

Highly skilled Solar Arabia team can design any kind of system in meeting the technical requirements, by complying with all the quality standards In addition, we will always make sure that the client gets the maximum yield by designing a proper system which is economically feasible, while considering all the regulatory standards. This includes, but is not limited to most modern software technologies like PV Syst, Homer, Google Sketchup etc

QWhat measures would you take to mitigate potential risks and challenges associated with solar project development in Saudi Arabia?

Being in the Kingdom and knowing the in-and out policy regulations, Solar Arabia team always make sure all the challenges can be taken care during the initial project phase itself. With our vast on-field and manufacturing experience, we forecast the possible risks and challenges during the beginning of project commencement itself

As Saudi Arabia aims to reduce its dependence on oil and embrace renewable energy, Solar Arabia has been at the forefront, helping companies achieve their clean energy goals and contribute to the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

Leading Saudi Arabia's energy transition through ecofriendly solutions and expert execution of solar projects.

IN CONVERSATION

RowanJandu

Cofounder, Head of Engineering & Business Development, Haala Energy

Haala Energy boasts a diverse portfolio encompassing various solar projects, including rooftop, ground mount, tracker, car port, hybrid, off-grid, energy storage, AgriPV, and green hydrogen applications.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Solar energy in Saudi Arabia is up to 70% cheaper than conventional energy sources, offering significant cost savings for grid-connected facilities.

AgriPV solutions in Saudi Arabia have the potential to improve crop yields, reduce water use, and generate sustainable energy simultaneously

Haala Energy is at the forefront of the Saudi energy transition, working tirelessly to achieve the nation's ambitious renewable energy goals

QWhat potential markets do you see for solar energy in Saudi Arabia, and how well-positioned is Haala Energy to take advantage of them?

There is huge potential for solar energy in Saudi Arabia, and Haala Energy is very well positioned to take advantage of this Our portfolio is one of the most diverse in the Kingdom spanning conventional rooftop, ground mount, tracker and car port projects in various sectorsand regions, but also more specialist hybrid, off-grid, energy storage, AgriPV and green hydrogen applications We are also able to offer a full range of services and solutions to our clients, including Consulting, EPC contracting, Operation & Maintenance and Project Finance, so we have asolution for most solar-related applications and requirements

In terms ofmarket potential, there are many thousandsof grid-connected facilities with heavy daytime energy usage and lots of available space (rooftop or ground) in Saudi Arabia today who could benefitfrom solar energythat’s up to 70% cheaperthan what they currentlyuse

The off-grid sector in Saudi also pre large market opportunity, becaus generation is becoming incre expensive and integrating solar is a re easy way to reduce costs, maintenance requirements and improve sustainability. Of particular interest is the agricultural sector, which is growing fast in responseto the government’s push towards food security and sustainability AgriPV solutions can actually offer the possibility of improving crop yields, reducing water use and generating sustainable energy at the same time

Although we are focused primarily on the C&I scale, we are also increasingly looking to apply our expertise to the utility scale projects taking place around the country, which is of course the largest market segment by capacity Initially most of the EPC work was being outsourced to Indian and ChineseEPC contractors, but we are nowstarting to see more opportunities for local playersto participate, which is positive

QCould you give a general overview of Saudi Arabia's present solar energy regulatory environment? How does Haala Energy work around these rules to provide environmentally friendly solutions?

Unfortunately, the regulatory environment for C&I solar projectscontinues to be very challenging

First, the proper interpretation of the regulations is not clear Different stakeholders give different answers to requests for clarifications, sometimes directly contradicting each other or what is writtenin the published regulatory documents

Second (according to what seems to be the most common interpretation), the regulations are very restrictive, allowing for only small systemsto be built even on sites with very large

loads We see many cases where potential clientswith significant connected loads of 10-15 MW are only allowedto build 0 2-0 3MW of solar PV These are privatesector organisations willingto invest in increasing sustainability and contributing to the vision of the country, but they are preventedand discouraged from doing so, which is a real shame. Finally, the permitting process itself doesn’tseem to work at present.As far as we are aware, no one has successfully completed the full permitting process because of a lack of proper coordination both withinand between the various stakeholders involved in the process

This is severely hindering the growth and development of our industry and limiting our work to off-grid applications, some sites in special economic zones like Modon, KAEC, KAUST etc, and those few clients willing to take a risk in investing in the future, trusting that they can retrospectively secure the correct permitslater

QSaudi Arabia has set high goals for renewable energy What role does Haala Energy play in attaining these objectives, and how will this affect the nation's energy transition?

Haala Energy is a local company on the front lines of building out the Saudi energy transition day in, day out There is a huge amount of work to be done to achieve the ambitious targets and it’s not always easy operating on the ground in such a new industry, but we hope that with persistence and hard work,we will have a meaningful impact on the outcome over time

the Way for a Greener and Brighter Tomorrow.

QHow does Haala Energy address worries about the erratic nature of solar electricity and make sure that its Saudi Arabian customers have a steady supply of energy?

As energy storageis still too expensive for most commercial applications in Saudi, it’s important to pair solar energy with a reliable baseload such as the grid or diesel generators We specialise in engineering integrated systems that will seamlessly combinethese generation sources,maximising the inputof solar PV, withoutcompromising on resilience

One advantage many Saudi Arabiancustomers have is that their heaviest loadsare during the day when cooling systems are running full tilt This is well aligned with solar generation, meaning we can achieve relatively high solar energy penetrations at low cost, without using energystorage systems

QHas Saudi Arabia's embrace of solar energy shown special promise in any particular fields or sectors? How does Haala Energy meet the specificenergy requirements of variousindustries?

Yes, Saudi Arabia’s embraceof solar energy,particularly in combination with its push for food security and new sustainable development in the mega projects,has led to special promisein the fields of AgriPV andGreen Hydrogen

We are actively working with innovative and pioneering clients like ACWA Power, Red Sea Farms, Mirai Solar and the KAUST Solar Centre on AgriPV and Green Hydrogen pilot projects at the moment These are new and challenging applications that requiresignificant engineering expertise to get right, but they hold great promise as future industries in which Saudi Arabia could be a world leader

IN CONVERSATION

QWhat part does technology play in Saudi Arabia's solar energy solutions from Haala Energy? Do you use any cutting-edge methods or technology to maximize the production and efficiency of solar energy?

As a system integrator, we always work with the leading technology suppliers, and our clients trust us to be up to speed with the latest technological developments in our fast-moving industry. Whether it’s the latest module technology, cutting edge inverters, innovative understructures, best-in-class monitoring and control solutions or robotic cleaning, we’re always leveraging the latest technology to optimise our solar generation for yield, efficiency, cost-effectiveness and safety

Photo CREDIT: Haala Energy 620 kWp under construction

IN CONVERSATION

NahidhAhmedElShaer

Sirajpower's Country Director KSA

Our goal is to surpass the reliability of traditional energy sources, delivering a level of service that underscores the superiority of renewable energy. SirajPower's commitment to providing reliable and superior solar energy solutions.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Our aim is to ensure that our solar energy solutions not only meet but exceed the current regulatory standards

SirajPower's commitment to exceeding regulatory standards for environmentally friendly solutions

Collaboration is vital to fostering the growth of renewable energy in the region. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration in promoting renewable energy adoption

By demonstrating solar energy's tangible benefits and feasibility through our projects, we help raise awareness about renewable energy and stimulate further interest and investment in the sector

SirajPower's role in raising awareness and promoting renewable energy adoption.

QCould you give a general overview of Saudi Arabia's present solar energy regulatory environment? How does SirajPower work around these rules to provide environmentally friendly solutions?

As part of its ambitious Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has been progressively shaping its energy regulatory environment to address the evolving needs and challenges associated with energy generation and transmission With increasing global consciousness about climate change and sustainability, the Kingdom has broadened its regulatory frameworks to include a wide range of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaics (PV), solar power (SP), wind, waste-to-energy, and others. It has also laid out a clear path for District Cooling and Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging infrastructure and has established specific KPIs to measure progress and compliance

As a market leader in the region, SirajPower navigates this rapidly evolving landscape with an unwavering commitment to our mission - to provide cost-effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly solar solutions. We are constantly in engagement with the Water and Electricity Regulatory Authority (WERA) and other stakeholders like utility providers and certification authorities Our aim is to ensure that our solar energy solutions not only meet but exceed the current regulatory standards

We understand that collaboration is vital to fostering the growth of renewable energy in the region This is why we work closely with our partners to help them integrate green energy practices into their operations, enabling them to meet their CO2 reduction targets. It's more than just providing solar power solutions; it's about promoting a culture of sustainability, contributing to Saudi Arabia's ambitious renewable energy targets, and empowering our partners to impact the environment positively

QWhat potential markets do you see for solar energy in Saudi Arabia, and how well-positioned is SirajPower to take advantage of them?

The market potential for solar energy in Saudi Arabia is vast and multifaceted While the Commercial & Industrial (C&I) sector has been an early adopter, there is growing momentum in the residential and agriculture sectors In the residential market, homeowners are increasingly aware of the benefits of solar energy, not just for the environment but also for their energy bills As for the agriculture sector, the use of solar energy for irrigation and other farming operations could be transformative, driving sustainability and efficiency in a critical part of the economy

SirajPower is exceptionally well-positioned to tap into these opportunities, drawing on our track record as a one-stop-shop solution provider in the UAE market Our business model, which involves project financing, execution, and operations & maintenance (O&M), has been proven to deliver reliable, high-quality solar energy solutions. We're able to streamline processes, reduce costs, and ensure the seamless integration of solar systems for our clients

Our successful venture in Saudi Arabia has been a testament to this model's effectiveness We've replicated our success in the UAE market by providing holistic project financing solutions, and we continue to excel in Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) and O&M roles Our strong network of EPC and channel partners further enables us to deliver top-notch services with an eye towards adapting and customizing solutions to local needs and conditions

Our goal is to surpass the reliability of traditional energy sources, delivering a level of service that underscores the superiority of renewable energy.

QSaudi Arabia has set high goals for solar energy. What role does SirajPower play in attaining these objectives, and how will this affect the nation's energy transition?

Saudi Arabia has indeed set ambitious goals for renewable energy as part of its Vision 2030 program, aiming to produce 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 SirajPower is proud to be a significant contributor to this transformative journey

Our role is twofold On one hand, we are actively deploying cost-effective, highquality Solar PV solutions that directly increase the nation's renewable energy capacity This is not just about installing solar panels. It involves comprehensive project planning, execution, and management that ensures each solar solution we implement is maximally efficient, reliable, and beneficial for our clients and the broader ecosystem

On the other hand, our work also serves an essential educational and promotional role By demonstrating solar energy's tangible benefits and feasibility through our projects, we help raise awareness about renewable energy and stimulate further interest and investment in the sector

Through these efforts, SirajPower is playing an instrumental role in accelerating the energy transformation in Saudi Arabia. By helping shift the nation's energy profile from one predominantly based on fossil fuels to one increasingly powered by renewable sources, we are contributing to a more sustainable and secure energy future for the Kingdom

QHow does SirajPower address worries about the erratic nature of solar electricity and make sure that its Saudi Arabian customers have a steady supply of energy?

SirajPower leverages state-of-the-art digital and smart solutions to o our solar power systems By harnessing the power of data analytics, machine learning, and IoT, we are able to monitor, manage, and fine-tune our solar installations in real-time. This maximises energy production during periods of sunlight and minimises downtime, providing a level of reliability that rivals traditional power sources

To further ensure a steady supply of energy, we offer a range of Solar PV Solutions. These include On-Grid systems, which can feed excess power back into the grid; Hybrid systems, which use batteries to store surplus solar energy for use during periods of low solar irradiance or the night; and On-Demand

solar energy, which involves using advanced storage solutions to make solar power available whenever it is needed

Furthermore, we are continuously exploring and developing new solutions to enhance the dependability of solar power further. Our goal is not just to match the reliability of traditional energy sources, but to surpass them, delivering a level of service that underscores the superiority of renewable energy

In essence, solar electricity's "erratic nature" is no longer a barrier Instead, it's a challenge that we at SirajPower have embraced and overcome, transforming it into an opportunity to innovate and provide superior energy solutions Our customers in Saudi Arabia can be confident in a steady, reliable supply of energy that contributes to a greener, more sustainable future

QHas Saudi Arabia's embrace of solar energy shown special promise in any particular fields or sectors? How does SirajPower meet the specific energy requirements of various industries?

Saudi Arabia's robust adoption of solar energy has demonstrated promising growth in various sectors, catalysed by the recent regulation from the Water and Electricity Regulatory Authority (WERA) concerning Renewable Energy (RE) generation for self-consumption. This policy has opened the door for largerscale PV Solar systems, which can be implemented more swiftly compared to smaller ones, making it an attractive proposition for industries with high energy demands

One sector that stands out is the industrial sector, where the energy demand is high and constant The shift to solar energy allows these businesses to reduce their operational costs and their environmental footprint significantly Similarly, the commercial sector, especially large-scale facilities such as shopping malls and office buildings, has found solar energy to be a viable and sustainable way to meet their energy needs.

Moreover, we are witnessing a growing interest in the agricultural sector, where solar energy can power everything from irrigation systems to greenhouse operations The educational sector is also adopting solar power for schools, colleges, and universities, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and providing an educational resource for students

SirajPower is at the forefront of this transition, delivering customised solar solutions to meet the unique energy requirements of different

industries Our approach is centred on flexibility and long-term commitment We understand that every business has unique energy needs, which is why we take the time to understand our clients' operations and tailor our solar solutions accordingly

We also offer flexible tariff schemes that help mitigate the risk of potential future increases in electricity utility tariffs This makes financial sense for businesses and allows them to lock in a low, stable energy cost for the long term, providing a high-cost certainty that is highly valuable in today's unpredictable economic environment

QWhat part does technology play in Saudi Arabia's solar energy solutions from SirajPower? Do you use any cutting-edge methods or technology to maximize the production and efficiency of solar energy?

Technology plays an integral role in the solar energy solutions we offer at SirajPower We recognise the transformative potential of emerging technologies, and we're committed to harnessing this potential to maximise the production and efficiency of solar energy.

At the heart of our approach is a commitment to digital and smart solutions that augment and optimise the performance of our PV Solar Systems These include advanced sensor technologies for real-time monitoring and performance assessment, predictive algorithms for maintenance and fault detection, and automation tools that streamline and enhance various operational pHirocesses

One of the groundbreaking technologies we leverage is Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI algorithms help us to optimise energy production by predicting solar output based on historical data and weather forecasts This ensures we can adapt to changing conditions and maximise energy generation even under less-than-optimal conditions

Big data analytics is another powerful tool in our arsenal By mining and analysing vast amounts of data from our solar installations, we can identify trends, uncover insights, and make data-driven decisions that enhance efficiency and performance

Finally, our R&D capabilities, coupled with the rich portfolios of our solutions partners, ensure that we stay on the cutting edge of solar technology. We are continuously exploring, testing, and adopting new technologies that can further enhance the performance and value of our solar energy solutions

TECH TECH STORY STORY

Advancements in Solar Technology Propelling Sau Arabia's Renewable Energy Transition

Saudi Arabia which is renowned for having plenty of sunlight is embracing solar technology as a major factor in its move to renewable energy The breakthroughs in solar technology that are influencing the nation's clean energy landscape, creating new opportunities, and advancing its sustainable development objectives are examined in this article

Saudi Arabia's solar revolution is being led by photovoltaic technology, which turns sunshine straight into power. Significant advancements in PV technology are being made in the nation, including the creation of highefficiency solar panels like monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon modules These developments have expanded the capacity for power generation and enhanced energy output which has improved the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solar installations

Due to its capacity to deliver a reliable and dispatchable power source, concentrated solar power (CSP) technology is gaining popularity in Saudi Arabia CSP concentrates sunlight onto a receiver using mirrors or lenses, producing heat that powers turbines to generate energy The extensive desert expanses of the nation make for a suitable location for CSP installations Thermal energy storage devices have been included in CSP in recent years, enabling electricity generation even when the sun isn't shining A consistent power supply and grid stability are made possible by this technology, which complements the sporadic nature of PV systems.

Solar tracking systems: In Saudi Arabia, solar tracking systems have become a key achievement in solar technology These technologies enable solar panels to track the path of the sun throughout the day, maximizing energy absorption and improving system performance as a whole To maximize the potential for energy production and increase the efficiency of solar installations, single-axis, and dual-axis tracking systems are being used more frequently Because of Saudi Arabia's strong sun irradiation, using solar tracking devices helps to maximize energy production and improve project feasibility

Saudi Arabia is investigating the possibilities of floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) systems due to its geographical advantage of having a coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf To generate solar energy from unused water surfaces, FPV systems deploy solar panels on floating platforms on water bodies. This novel method not only conserves land but also provides further advantages like decreased evaporation and improved panel cooling, increasing efficiency

Solar desalination is a viable use of solar technology because Saudi Arabia has problems with water scarcity Desalination processes at solar-powered desalination facilities are driven by solar energy, offering a sustainable response to the nation's rising water needs These facilities use solar thermal technology to desalinate seawater into fresh water, lowering dependency on fossil fuel-based desalination techniques and fostering energy and water security Examples of these technologies include multieffect distillation and reverse osmosis.

Internet of Things (IoT) and Energy Management Systems: The monitoring and management of solar installations are being revolutionized by the integration of solar technology with IoT and energy management systems Real-time data on solar energy output, consumption trends, and grid interaction are collected by IoT-enabled devices and sensors, allowing for more effective energy management and optimization This data-driven methodology improves the dependability and performance of solar systems by enabling predictive maintenance, performance monitoring, and intelligent energy distribution

Conclusion:

The development of solar technology and Saudi Arabia's commitment to renewable energy are changing the country's energy environment To take advantage of its plentiful sun resources, the nation is using photovoltaic technologies, concentrated solar power, solar tracking systems, floating solar, and solar desalination The efficiency and dependability of solar installations are further improved by the integration of IoT and energy management systems These developments not only accelerate the switch to sustainable energy

RESEARCH RESEARCH STORIES STORIES

Saudi Arabia's Journey Towards a Gigawatt of Solar Installed Capacity: Paving the Way for Renewable Energy Transformation

Saudi Arabia, a country renowned for its enormous oil reserves, is now starting a revolutionary transition to renewable energy. The Kingdom is making great progress towards obtaining a gigawatt of installed solar capacity with a mission to diversify its energy mix and lessen its reliance on fossil fuels This ambitious objective establishes Saudi Arabia as a pioneer in renewable energy and signals a paradigm change towards sustainable development

Saudi Arabia has actively sought cooperation with international firms in the renewable energy sector to hasten the growth of solar power These partnerships not only generate large investments but also offer priceless technological know-how and best practices The participation of international businesses in Saudi Arabia's solar projects has sparked the growth of regional industry and facilitated knowledge transfer

Numerous economic and environmental advantages result from Saudi Arabia's progress towards a gigawatt of installed solar power The Kingdom improves energy security and lessens the risks associated with variable oil prices by lowering its reliance on fossil fuels Additionally, the solar sector stimulates economic expansion and job creation, promoting the construction of a sustainable and diverse economy.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia is in line with international efforts to tackle climate change thanks to the large reduction in greenhouse gas emissions caused by the increase in solar power generation The Kingdom's move towards renewable energy demonstrates its dedication to sustainable growth and establishes it as a responsible worldwide player in the struggle against environmental deterioration

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 project is at the forefront of this transition to renewable energy This allencompassing plan seeks to boost economic diversification, improve sustainability, and encourage employment growth The Kingdom has established specific goals for boosting its renewable energy capacities in recognition of the necessity to respond to a changing global energy scenario Solar energy is essential to this shift because it makes use of the year-round, plentiful sunlight that covers the nation.

Saudi Arabia has a significant edge in its quest for solar energy due to its physical location within the Sun Belt region The nation has a wealth of solar resources and high levels of solar irradiation, which make it a prime location for the production of solar electricity Saudi Arabia has concentrated on creating massive solar projects, sometimes known as solar parks or solar farms, by utilizing this natural advantage

The Mohammed bin Salman Solar Park in Al-Dhafra is one famous instance This solar park, which has a 1 5 GW planned capacity, seeks to power hundreds of thousands of homes and cut millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions every year The project shows Saudi Arabia's dedication to increasing its installed solar capacity and gaining the environmental advantages of clean energy production.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's pursuit of a gigawatt of installed solar power is a crucial turning point in its switch to renewable energy The Kingdom is leading the transition to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future with forwardthinking initiatives like Vision 2030 and large-scale solar projects. These projects are not just diversifying the Kingdom's energy supply Saudi Arabia sets the path for other countries to follow in its footsteps by utilizing its plentiful solar resources and forming alliances with international players. This extraordinary voyage paves the way for a revolution in renewable energy and positions Saudi Arabia as a model for environmental responsibility and sustainable growth

EAST2023 QUALITY PROFITABILITY TECHNOLOGY

PROJECT EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Best Construction Management:

BSC Solar Energy Installation LLC

Best Engineering Design:

Louis Berger Power KSA

HUSSAMBADER

Best Solar Solution Supplier of the Year:

Power and Sun Solar Equipments Trading L.L.C

Best Procurement and Supply Chain Management Leader of the Year:

Wa'il Al-shafie

Influential Solar EPC Leader of the Year:

Hussam Bader

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS:

Best Solar Inverter Technology:

Sungrow

Solar Project Construction Team of the Year:

Tek Solar

Best Product Technology Innovation:

SUNPURE TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD.

WA'ILAL-SHAFIE

CURRENT CURRENT AFFAIRS AFFAIRS

Demand Side Management Regulations in Saudi Arabia's Solar Industry: Optimizing Energy Efficiency

In the field of solar energy, Saudi Arabia is quickly establishing itself as a global leader. The kingdom is moving forward with a sustainable and diverse energy future thanks to an abundance of sunlight and a dedication to lowering greenhouse gas emissions Demand-side management rules are being established as part of this endeavour to increase energy efficiency in the solar business

Regulations for demand-side management are geared toward altering consumer behavior and promoting more effective use of energy resources These rules seek to lessen waste and advance a sustainable energy environment by actively involving consumers in monitoring their energy consumption Saudi Arabia is aware of how critical it is to increase energy efficiency in the solar sector, both to conserve resources and to guarantee the dependability and accessibility of solar electricity

Enhancing energy efficiency is one of the main goals of demand-side management laws in Saudi Arabia's solar sector The kingdom wants to lower overall energy use by encouraging people to adopt energy-saving behaviours like utilizing energy-saving appliances and installing efficient lighting systems This helps consumers cut their energy costs, which promotes economic sustainability in addition to being good for the environment

Another key strategy employed in demand-side management is load shifting and peak demand reduction By encouraging consumers to shift their energy-intensive activities to off-peak hours, demand is spread more evenly throughout the day, reducing the strain on the power grid during peak hours This load-shifting approach ensures a more stable and reliable supply of electricity and facilitates the integration of solar energy into the overall energy mix

Time-of-use tariffs are another important component of demand-side management regulations These tariffs vary the price of electricity based on the time of day, with higher rates during peak hours and lower rates during off-peak hours. By implementing time-of-use tariffs, consumers are incentivized to adjust their energy usage patterns to take advantage of lower rates during off-peak hours This encourages the utilization of solar energy during daylight hours when solar production is highest, further reducing the reliance on conventional power sources during expensive peak hours

Programs for demand response are also very important for maximizing energy efficiency These programs encourage users to actively manage their energy use by offering rewards for lowering their electricity usage

during periods of peak demand. Consumers that take part in demand response initiatives might potentially save money on their energy bills in addition to helping to maintain the reliability of the power grid

The implementation of demand-side management regulations in the Saudi Arabian solar industry aligns with the country's broader goals of diversifying its energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels By optimizing energy efficiency, Saudi Arabia is taking a proactive approach to mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions Moreover, these regulations contribute to the kingdom's long-term energy security by ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of electricity

Saudi Arabia's solar industry's demand-side management laws are essential for maximizing energy efficiency and advancing sustainability

The kingdom is successfully altering consumer behavior and lowering energy waste through the implementation of time-of-use tariffs, demand response programs, and encouragement of customers to adopt energyefficient practices These rules help Saudi Arabia move towards a greener and more sustainable energy future while also helping the environment and making solar power more reliable and affordable

BUSINESS BUSINESS INSIGHTS INSIGHTS Project

Financing: Investigate the financing options available for solar projects in Saudi Arabia

The financing of solar projects is essential to the growth and sustainability of the industry as Saudi Arabia quickens its switch to renewable energy. The many funding alternatives for solar projects in Saudi Arabia are examined, with a focus on the programmes, rewards, and other mechanisms that encourage the growth of this renewable energy source

Government Support and Incentives: The Saudi Arabian government has launched a number of programmes to promote solar energy and draw investment to the industry The National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP), which seeks to diversify the nation's energy mix and raise the proportion of renewable energy sources, is one of the primary initiatives

The NREP provides developers with long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), reducing project risks and guaranteeing a steady cash stream. In addition, the government facilitates project development by providing land, grid connection assistance, and faster permitting procedures

Financing Options: Saudi Arabian solar projects are eligible for funding from both state and commercial sources Government-backed organisations like the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), and the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) offer public finance These organisations promote the development of solar projects with loans, grants, and financial guarantees, easing the financial load on project developers and boosting investor confidence

Commercial banks, development finance organisations, and private equity corporations are examples of private financing options For solar projects, local and foreign banks provide project loans, lines of credit, and debt financing options Sharia-compliant funding solutions are offered by development finance organisations like the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) In exchange for equity stakes, private equity firms and venture capital funds participate in solar projects, providing a crucial source of funding and sector knowledge

International Financial Institutions: The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have all made investments in Saudi Arabia These organisations help solar projects in the nation by offering project financing, guarantees, and technical support while utilising their networks and global knowledge Their involvement not only brings in more money, but also makes projects appear more credible and bankable

Green and Sustainability Bonds: The global financial market has seen a rise in the popularity of green bonds and financing that is tied to sustainability Investors seeking chances to make investments in socially conscious companies are drawn to these financial instruments The issuing of green bonds has been promoted in Saudi Arabia, making it possible for project

developers to obtain funding for renewable energy projects, including solar These bonds give investors a dependable way to fund environmentally friendly initiatives while guaranteeing fiscal transparency

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): PPAs are a crucial method for financing solar project development With utilities or large-scale users, developers enter into long-term contracts to sell the solar energy produced at predetermined pricing PPAs give project developers revenue certainty and guarantee a stable income stream, which increases the appeal of solar projects to lenders and investors A favourable investment environment for solar projects is facilitated by the Saudi government's commitment to provide long-term PPAs

Offtake Agreements and Merchant Markets: Solar projects in Saudi Arabia may look at offtake Agreements and participation in merchant markets in addition to conventional power purchase Agreements (PPAs). Offtake agreements provide for more flexibility and perhaps better revenue by selling the solar energy generated directly to customers or industrial organisations at market prices By participating in merchant markets, power is sold on the open market while taking advantage of price swings and demand dynamics for profit

Insurance and Risk Mitigation: Saudi Arabia offers insurance solutions designed for solar projects to reduce risks related to project development, construction, and operation These insurance options cover things like project delays, liabilities, and natural disasters in addition to things like equipment performance. The financial risks connected with solar projects can be decreased with extensive insurance coverage, which can also increase investor trust

Grants and Project Development help: Saudi Arabia is home to a number of institutions and organisations that offer grants and project development help for solar projects These programmes are designed to assist with project planning, feasibility analyses, technical evaluations, and capacity building These resources are available to developers in order to improve project bankability, cut expenses, and raise the likelihood of getting funding

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia's solar project financing environment is changing as a result of government incentives, public and private financing choices, international partnerships, and cutting-edge financial tools The availability of long-term PPAs, backing from the public sector, and participation from international finance institutions have all contributed to the creation of a favourable climate for the growth of solar project The variety of funding alternatives available will be essential to helping the kingdom reach its lofty objectives and advance the solar industry as it continues to increase its renewable energy capacity

SPECIAL SPECIAL STORY STORY

Saudi Arabia's Solar Energy Auctions: Driving Competitive Market Growth

In the international struggle against climate change, renewable energy has emerged as a crucial element Countries all around the world are actively investigating and implementing sustainable solutions in response to the urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions and shift to cleaner energy sources Through a series of prosperous solar energy auctions, Saudi Arabia, a country renowned for its enormous oil reserves, has made tremendous progress in diversifying its energy mix and embracing solar power.

Saudi Arabia has traditionally relied largely on oil as its main energy source

However, the nation started an ambitious project to expand its renewable energy industry after seeing the need to lessen its carbon imprint and utilize its plentiful solar resources The goal was to use the Solar energy as a sustainable replacement for fossil fuels by harnessing its power

Implementing solar energy auctions was one of the primary strategies Saudi Arabia used to accomplish this goal National and international businesses could participate and submit bids for the development and management of solar power projects through these auctions. The Saudi Arabian government opened up the bidding procedure to draw in investors, promote competition, and lower the price of solar energy generation

There are several reasons for these auctions' success First off, with average daily solar radiation of about 5 kWh per square meter, Saudi Arabia has remarkable solar resource potential The country is a desirable location for solar energy investments because of the country's ability to generate large amounts of solar power

Second, by establishing lofty goals, the Saudi Arabian government showed a firm commitment to the development of renewable energy, particularly solar A strategic plan for economic diversification was detailed in the Kingdom's Vision 2030 program, which was unveiled in 2016 This roadmap included raising the proportion of renewable energy in the nation's energy mix This pledge gave investors the comfort and trust they needed to take part in the auctions

Additionally, the openness and competition of the bidding process made sure that everyone had a level playing field The strict and well-defined regulations of the auctions gave the bidders clarity and assurance This openness promoted a climate that was favorable to investment and longterm collaborations by increasing trust between the public and private sectors

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia's solar energy auctions have been of notable size Through a series of auctions, the government has successfully offered several gigawatts of solar power, drawing top international participants in the renewable energy sector This not only fostered the growth of the home solar industry but also of the worldwide solar market

These auctions have had a considerable impact on the Saudi Arabian energy market Due to the record-low pricing for solar energy as a result of the open bidding procedure, it is becoming more and more costcompetitive with other energy sources As a result, the nation's reliance on fossil fuels has decreased, and Saudi Arabia is now a global leader in the deployment of renewable energy sources.

Additionally, the solar energy auctions have promoted regional economic growth and job prospects Solar power project development necessitates trained labor and the development of a local supply chain, which promotes job growth and economic expansion in the renewable energy industry This is in line with Saudi Arabia's larger objective of lessening its reliance on oil earnings and diversifying its economy

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia's solar energy auctions have a bright future The government has pledged to diversify its energy mix and increase its capability for renewable energy. The auctions are likely to draw even more interest and investments as the cost of solar technology continues to drop and efficiency rises, fueling future expansion in the solar energy industry

As a result, Saudi Arabia's solar energy auctions have demonstrated their value as a stimulus for competitive market growth in the renewable energy sector The nation has drawn investments, lowered the cost of solar energy, and sped up the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future by utilizing its rich solar resources and establishing a transparent and competitive bidding procedure Saudi Arabia is in a good position to become a global leader in the deployment of solar energy and make a big contribution to the global fight against climate change as the auctions develop and grow