First Solar to construct 52.5MW Shams Ma’an power plant in Jordan

First Solar has signed an agreement to build the 52.5MW AC Shams Ma’an photovoltaic (PV) power plant, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Under the contract, First Solar will provide engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services as well as a long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) for the project.

The energy generated from the project will be supplied to Jordan’s power generation and distribution authority National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

The power plant, which is claimed to be the largest PV facility in the Middle East, is part of Ma’an Development Area initiative in southern Jordan.

The facility, which is expected to be completed in 2016, will deliver an estimated 160 million kWh of electricity a year.

"We now look forward to delivering a world-class power plant that will directly contribute to efforts to address the country’s urgent energy needs."

First Solar Middle East technical director Matthew Merfert said: "Underscoring the fact that what matters to Jordan is the amount of energy produced, every aspect of the project has been optimized for low-cost, high-energy performance in actual conditions.

"For instance, our advanced thin film modules will yield up to eight percent more energy than an array or plant of the same power output rating using silicon-based modules, due to the high temperatures onsite."

First Solar co-developed the project with local firm Kawar Group and the company has now opted to sell its stake to a consortium of global investors.

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Image: Image: First Solar will offer engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for Shams Ma’an PV project. Photo: Courtesy of dan/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.