News Article
SolFocus and Vision to Build the Largest CPV Solar Power Plant in Saudi Arabia
The project is a milestone for the commercialization of concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology in the Middle East and will deliver 300MWh.
SolFocus, a leading developer of Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) solar systems, has announced that Vision Electro Mechanical Company will build the first commercial solar power plant in Saudi Arabia using CPV systems.
These SolFocus CPV systems combine high-efficiency solar cells with advanced optics to provide scalable, reliable solutions capable of delivering low-cost renewable power. The project, located in the Bahra region, will deliver around 300MWh of clean energy per year and is the first in a series of Saudi power stations planned by Vision.
"The high sun conditions of the Middle East provide an ideal environment for reaping large-scale, low-cost solar energy from CPV systems," said Mark Crowley, CEO, SolFocus. "Together with our partners at Vision, SolFocus will bring the world's most efficient and resource-friendly solar technology to Saudi Arabia, providing energy diversification for the country."
Vision will market and install the SolFocus solar power systems, starting with this plant in CPC's Bahra industrial complex. Vision will install other solar power stations in Saudi Arabia, as well as in the research centers of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
"We accomplished this partnership in line with Saudi's efforts to promote investment in renewable energy projects and serve power projects in the Gulf and the wider Arabian region," said Hassan Chahine, general manager, Vision. "This is a breakthrough in Saudi Arabia's thrust for energy diversification. We believe the Bahra plant will serve as a model for the further research and study of clean water and power solutions that diversify the region's energy mix."
"It is a testament to SolFocus that its technology was selected by project developers with such deep expertise in energy generation innovation," added Crowley. "We view SolFocus CPV as a critical component of the bold clean energy goals set forth by leaders in the Middle East, such as CPC/Vision in Saudi Arabia and the developers of Masdar City in Abu Dhabi."
The news is the latest in a string of groundbreaking developments for SolFocus; earlier this month it was the first CPV company to announce a power warranty backed by Munich Re; in May it announced completion of the largest CPV installation in North America; and in 2009 it was the first CPV firm to secure International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) certification for performance and safety.
SolFocus aims to enable solar energy generation at a Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) competitive with traditional fossil fuel sources. To achieve this goal, the firm has developed leading concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology which combines high-efficiency solar cells (approaching 40 %) and advanced optics to provide solar energy solutions which are scalable, dependable and capable of delivering on the promise of clean, low-cost, renewable energy.
SolFocus is headquartered in Mountain View, California with European operations headquartered in Madrid, Spain, and manufacturing in Mesa, Arizona and manufacturing partners in China.
Established in 2007 in Bahra, Saudi Arabia, Advanced Vision is a major electro mechanical contracting company serving the construction industry. It was established to meet increased market demand for large electro mechanical projects that require complete engineering and construction services. A subsidiary of Saudi-based Construction Products Holding Company (CPC), It has formed a solar company to develop, manufacture and operate solar power plants in Saudi Arabia.
Construction Products Holding Company (CPC) is a dynamic and reputable entity possessing a wealth of global experience in construction products. CPC was established in 2005 as the industrial arm in the field of building materials manufacturing for Saudi Binladin Group (SBG), implementing the "one stop shop" concept for providing construction materials to contractors and developers.
