SolarQuarter- Middle East May-June Issue 2022

Empowering, Insightful, Engaging

‫ المشاركة‬، ‫ الثاقبة‬، ‫التمكين‬

VOL 2 | ISSUE 2 | MAY-JUNE 2022

RESEARCH

Middle East

EGYPTS RECENT AMENDMENT

to Net Metering Scheme

Technical Insights

FEATURING

Ecoppia's H4 Cleaning Robot With Helix Technology

WHY BIFACIAL SOLAR MODULES ARE PREFERRED CHOICE FOR MIDDLE EAST'S CEOR M PANY FEATURE UTILITY SCALE SOLAR POWER . C O M T R A U Q S O L A R W W W .

PLANTS? Guess Who Set The

New World Record AGAIN! Look inside to find out!

W W W . S O L A R Q U A R T E R . C O M

CONTENT PUBLISHING

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Firstview Media Ventures Pvt. Ltd.

NEWS

MIDDLE EAST NEWS

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EDITING

IN CONVERSATION

NAT VORA Chief Financial Officer, Solarwadi

Ashwini Chikkodi Nikita Salkar editorial@firstviewgroup.com

Head of On-Grid Business, SirajPower

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FEATURED INTERVIEW

YU BINGKUN (MELO) Melo Product Director of LONGi MEA & CA

CONTENT

RESEARCH

Sadhana Shenvekar Rajarshi Sengupta Sangita Shetty publishing@firstviewgroup.com

18 26 28

DESIGNING

POLICY DEBRIEF EGYPT’S RECENT AMENDMENT TO NET METERING SCHEME TECHNICAL INSIGHT

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Radha Buddhadev Neha Barangali design@firstviewgroup.com

COMPANY FEATURE

Trina Solar

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ADVERTISING

COMPANY FEATURE

Ecoppia

Smriti Charan Andrew Ferreira advertise@firstviewgroup.com

LONGi

CIRCULATION

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32

COMPANY FEATURE

PROJECT FEATURE

LONGi

Sadhana Raju Shenvekar

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SUBCRIPTION

PRODUCT FEATURE

Ecoppia

subscribe@firstviewgroup.com

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ADVERTISE WITH US

OPINION

ONE PLANET, ONE PAIN

Contact: Smriti Charan e: smriti@firstviewgroup.com Business Meet MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 2022 RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

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AWARDS

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 03

MIDDLE EAST NEWS BUZZ >

HBKU LAUNCHES QEERI SOLAR CONSORTIUM TO PROMOTE SOLAR ENERGY IN QATAR

IRENA AND RCREEE STRENGTHEN ENERGY TRANSITION COLLABORATION IN MENA REGION

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atar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of national research institutes, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), launched the QEERI Solar Consortium.

This membership-based program promotes research, development, and innovation in solar-related technologies in desert climates. QEERI Solar Consortium is a group of researchers, project developers, local authorities from the solar

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he International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) agreed to strengthen their collaboration on scaling-up renewable energy deployment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Jordan, on the margins of the “MENA Europe Future Energy Dialogue,” by IRENA DirectorGeneral Francesco La Camera and RCREEE Executive Director Dr. Jauad El Kharraz. Under the agreement, IRENA and RECREEE will partner on regional dialogues and initiatives that address the challenges, needs, and opportunities of a renewablebased energy transition in MENA countries. The agencies will also share knowledge and cooperate on building capacity in MENA countries, particularly through enabling policy and regulatory frameworks that can accelerate adoption.

renewable

energy

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field, engineers, and technology producers.

It focuses on practical testing and evaluations of solar-based devices in Qatar’s desert environment.

TAQA, ADNOC, AND MUBADALA ENTER BINDING AGREEMENTS FOR ACQUISITION OF MASDAR STAKE

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bu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala) have entered into binding agreements for TAQA and ADNOC to purchase stakes in Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) from Mubadala. This is a major milestone towards completing the transaction announced late last year by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The partnership sets out to create a global clean energy powerhouse that consolidates the renewable energy and green hydrogen efforts of TAQA, Mubadala, and ADNOC under the Masdar brand.

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BUZZ >

SAUDI ARAMCO AIMS TO GENERATE 12 GW OF SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY ANNUALLY BY 2035

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audi Aramco aims to generate 12 GW of solar and wind energy annually by 2035, according to a recent release by the company. Saudi Aramco recently released its first sustainability report.

The report, which the Company expects to update on an annual basis, provides further information on Aramco’s efforts to support the broader energy transition, with a set of interim targets the Company aims to achieve by 2035.

The report’s release follows the Company’s announcement of its ambition to achieve netzero Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its wholly-owned operating assets by 2050. By 2035 Aramco aims to reduce its Upstream carbon intensity, already one of the lowest in the industry, by 15% to 8.7kg of CO2 equivalent per barrel of oil equivalent

IRAN PRE-QUALIFIES 85 BIDDERS TO CONSTRUCT 4 GW OF RENEWABLE ENERGY TENDER

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n line with the Ministry of Energy’s plan in the 13th government to construct 10,000 MW of renewable power plants, a public investment tender was held for the construction of 4,000 MW in accordance with the executive regulations of Article 12 of the Law on Removing Barriers to Competitive Production and Improving the Financial System which was announced during the call on April 24 of this year. Out of 106 investing companies, the number of 85 companies gained the necessary points to participate in the tender. Memoranda of Understanding among the General governorships and Iran’s Renewable Energy and Electricity Efficiency Organization (SATBA) were implemented in the field of development of renewable and clean power plants, optimization, and promotion of electricity efficiency in order to specify the construction sites due to the tenders in order to be rendered a short list in accordance with the needs of the region and the province and without any problems in terms of land transfer and issuance of environmental permits.\

(CO2e/boe), against a 2018 baseline of 10.2kg CO2e/boe.

EMIRATES GLOBAL ALUMINIUM TO DEVELOP UAE-BASED SOLARPOWERED MANUFACTURING OF SILICON METAL

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mirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, announced that the company is to develop a project to manufacture silicon metal in the UAE, securing supplies of key raw material for ‘premium aluminum’ and unlocking potential new industries in the UAE in line with the goals of Operation 300bn and Make it in the Emirates.

Silicon metal is added to aluminum during the casting process, to create high-strength alloys required particularly in the automotive industry.

Roughly a quarter of EGA’s production is foundry alloys, which are used to make vehicle parts.

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W SOLAR INVESTMENT SIGNS AN AGREEMENT WITH GECOL TO COLLABORATE IN LIBYA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR

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Solar Investment, a subsidiary of Alpha Dhabi Holding and the world’s largest investment company in the renewable energy sector has signed an agreement with the General Electricity Company of Libya, (GECOL), to establish a long-term strategic partnership and collaborate in Libya’s renewable energy sector. W Solar and the Libyan government will jointly invest in the green energy sector of Libya under this MoU. W Solar will build solar photovoltaic power plants and sell the energy generated to the Libyan government. This MoU represents a significant step in the business collaboration between the public sector and the private sector in green energy.

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BUZZ >

TURKEY ALLOCATES 700 MW CAPACITY OF SOLAR PV IN SECOND TRANCHE OF THE 1GW CAPACITY

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inistry of Energy of Turkey allocated 700 MW capacity of solar PV in the second tranche of the 1GW capacity of YEKA4 PV tender. This tender was launched last July. Gunder in Turkey, a PV association, stated that the ministry had selected two 100-MW solar projects and 10 with 50 MW installed capacity each. Prices for 12 projects ranged between TRY 0.49 and TRY 0.597/kWh. The ministry set a TRY 0.40/kWh ceiling price for the YEKA4 procurement exercise. Three 100-MW projects were selected by the Turkish authorities in the solar tender. They were offered by the three developers, TRY 0.375/kWh, TRY 0.39/kWh and TRY 0.427/kWh respectively. The lowest price was TRY 0.375/kWh, which included both tranches. The final average price offered was TRY0.51 (0.031)/kWh. The 1GW YEKA3 PV tender was the previous procurement exercise. The lowest bid was TRY 0.182/kWh.

KENLOV RENEWABLE ENERGY EXPANDS DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE TO 3 GW AS IT BUILDS GLOBAL IPP

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el Aviv-headquartered Kenlov Renewable Energy has made swift progress in establishing itself as an Independent Power Producer (IPP) with a global portfolio. Having formally entered the market via its US Joint Venture with strategic partner Ashtrom Group, Kenlov Ashtrom Renewable Energy (KARE LLC) in late 2021, Kenlov has now grown an

NO EXCEPTIONS BY DEWA FOR PV PROJECTS UNDER SHAMS DUBAI

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EWA praises the continuous effort of Dubai’s solar industry to support Shams Dubai, executing projects in line with DEWA’s technical requirements and the applicable Laws and DEWA regulations. As per currently applicable Connection Conditions for Generators of Electricity from Solar Energy (DEWA DRRG Connection Conditions) published by DEWA on the basis of Executive Council Resolution number 46 of 2014: – Ground mounted projects are no longer envisaged under Shams Dubai; – The maximum capacity to be installed in a plot is capped at 2,080 kW (lower limits can apply based on the customer’s total connected load in the plot, as per the table in DEWA DRRG Connection Conditions). No exceptions to these restrictions will be granted by DEWA for solar PV projects initiated by customers under Shams Dubai, and no other regulatory framework is envisaged to accept any application not complying with the abovementioned regulations.

restrictions

and

other

Shams

Dubai

applicable

DEWA DISCUSSES ENHANCING COOPERATION WITH SINGAPORE

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ubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) discussed ways to enhance cooperation with Singaporean authorities besides exchanging the best international practices and expertise, especially in clean energy. Al Tayer, MD & CEO, of DEWA, pointed out that DEWA had undertaken a set of

international development pipeline of wind and solar assets exceeding 3GW. The milestone has

precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of its staff and customers, in line with the Dubai Government’s efforts to provide the highest level of protection against Covid-19. DEWA has ensured the

been reached following KARE’s sourcing this month of the 300 MW Rolling Sun project in Bushland,

continuity of its delivery of electricity and water, according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, and efficiency. Its digital infrastructure

Texas. The project is slated to enter construction in 2024, with commercial operations to commence in

and the training programs staff attended over the last few years to use technological tools and channels, have enabled it to implement a remote

early 2025, entering the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) market.

working system. Over 6,000 employees of DEWA are currently working remotely.

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 06

GREEN HYDROGEN >

SCZONE TO SIGN GREEN HYDROGEN CONTRACTS IN NOVEMBER

KOREA ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION, KOREA WESTERN POWER, SAMSUNG C&T CORPORATION, AND PETROLYN CHEMIE PARTNERS TO BUILD GREEN AMMONIA AND HYDROGEN IN UAE

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ng. Yehia Zaki, chairman of SCZONE, announced that the Suez Canal Economic Zone will sign the final contracts with some international companies and consortiums next November coinciding with Egypt’s hosting COP27, these contracts to establish industrial facilities for the production of green fuel in Sokhna Industrial zone, as a part of efforts exerted towards the transition to a green economy. Zaki made this announcement during his speech at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) session, which was held this morning at the bank’s headquarters in the British capital, London. The session was on the sidelines of his participation, in a high-level Egyptian ministerial delegation, for the annual Egyptian trade mission to the United Kingdom, which is organized by the British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA).

PRESIDENT OF EGYPT, EL-SISI FOLLOWS UP ON NATIONWIDE GREEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION PROJECTS

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hree South Korean companies have teamed up to form a consortium for the construction of a green ammonia and hydrogen production facility in the UAE. Korea Electric Power Corporation, its subsidiary Korea Western Power, and Samsung C&T Corporation have partnered with Petrolyn Chemie, a UAE-based company of Petrolyn Tech and Chemie Tech. The companies will jointly develop a plant that can produce 35,000 tonnes of green ammonia per year.

Later, it will be scaled up to produce 200,000 tonnes. In two stages, the capacity will be built in Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Industrial Area. It was impossible to give an exact time frame for each phase’s installation. This initiative will create a platform to facilitate technology development, investment, production, logistics, and distribution of green hydrogen. The partners claim that the project will reduce the UAE’s carbon footprint, and help the country achieve its 2050 goal of carbon neutrality.

MASDAR SIGNS AN AGREEMENT WITH KEPCO TO INVESTIGATE PROSPECTS IN GREEN HYDROGEN

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asdar signs an agreement with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to investigate prospects in green hydrogen, wind energy, and

resident Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Electricity and Renewable

battery storage. The agreement was signed by Seung-il Cheong, CEO of Kepco, and Mohamed Jameel al-

Energy, Dr. Mohamed Shaker, and Chairman of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) Eng.

Ramahi, CEO of Masdar in South Korea. Both companies will see the

Yehia Zaki. The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the meeting discussed the projects of green hydrogen production nationwide. The meeting focused on

potential of green hydrogen production. Korea Electric Power

the latest developments in cooperative efforts with international companies in the field of green hydrogen

Corporation (KEPCO) was founded under the Korea Electric Power

generation using renewable energy. These efforts are being made as part of the national strategy that aims to

Corporation Act to facilitate the development of electric power sources, satisfy the nation’s electric

maximize the share of clean energy in the country’s electrical capacity mix to reach 42 %, given Egypt’s huge clean energy potential, especially wind and solar power.

power supply and demand, and contribute to the development of

Middle East

the national economy.

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 07

GREEN HYDROGEN >

OPAZ SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH GHC TO DEVELOP PHASE ONE OF GREEN HYDROGEN AND AMMONIA PROJECT IN DUQM

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SCZONE DISCUSSES VARIOUS INVESTMENTS IN GREEN HYDROGEN PROJECTS DURING EBRD FORUM

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ng. Yehia Zaki, chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), participated in the annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Bank’s business forum, which was held in Morocco to highlight Egypt’s efforts to attract various investments in clean energy projects, as SCZONE succeeded in attracting international and leading companies which are working in the fields of clean and renewable energy to establish this kind of projects in the affiliated industrial zones.

he Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) signed a land usufruct agreement with Green Hydrogen and Chemicals Company (GHC), a joint venture between the UK entity of ACME Company and Norway-based Scatec ASA, to develop phase one of green hydrogen and ammonia project in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). The agreement was signed by HE Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, and Manoj Upadhyay, Chairman & Founder, ACME Group. As per the agreement, the Green Hydrogen and Chemicals Company (GHC) will begin developing the first phase of the project over 12 km2 of land to produce 100,000 metric tonnes of green ammonia per annum in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm.

Once fully developed, the project is expected to produce up to 1.2 million tonnes of green ammonia annually.

MASDAR PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL PETROLEUM CONSTRUCTION COMPANY FOR EXPLORING GREEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITIES

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asdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, has entered into a partnership with the National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC) for exploring green hydrogen and offshore wind production opportunities.

According to the statement, the memorandum of understanding is anticipated to help UAE’s efforts for a clean energy transition. It also includes partnering in other renewable energy technologies such as battery storage.

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 08

FINANCE >

KUWAIT FINANCE HOUSE, BAHRAIN PARTNERS WITH SOLAR ONE FOR SOLAR PANEL CONSUMER FINANCING

ADFD AND MASDAR TO INVEST IN IRENA’S ENERGY TRANSITION ACCELERATOR FINANCING (ETAF) PLATFORM

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he International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) signed agreements with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and The Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (known as Masdar) at the Agency’s headquarters. The agreement with ADFD formalizes the fund’s anchor investment of USD 400 million to IRENA’s Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) Platform. The signing of the Letter of Intent with Masdar paves the way for

K

uwait Finance House – Bahrain signed a memorandum of understanding with Solar One to provide personal financing for customers interested in installing solar panels in their homes. KFH – Bahrain will offer free insurance and a flexible tenor period of up to 7 years, while Solar One will offer the solar panels at a discounted price through subsidized financing from the Bank. The signing ceremony, which was held at the Bank’s headquarters in the Bahrain World Trade Centre, witnessed the attendance of Mr. Hamed Mashal, Head of Retail Banking at KFH–Bahrain, and Mr. Faisal Khalifa, Managing Director of Solar One, in addition to a number of officials from both parties.

renewable energy projects through technical advisories and equity investments. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar’s Chief Executive Officer, and Francesco La Camera, DirectorGeneral of IRENA, signed the agreements and also delivered remarks at the signing ceremony.

HSBC LAUNCHES GREEN PERSONAL FINANCE FOR SOLAR PANELS IN EGYPT

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SBC launches green personal finance in Egypt for its retail customers. This is the latest step in support of clients in their efforts to achieve a net zero-carbon future. HSBC Green Personal Finance offers a discount interest rate on standard personal financing products as well as flexible repayment terms. HSBC Green Personal Finance can only be used to purchase electric vehicles or solar panels for your home and for associated installation costs. “We all have a role to play in climate action and HSBC is mobilizing finance to support our customers’ transitions to net zero, providing competitively priced green finance to support the sustainability choices of our customers,” said Nesreen Hafez, Head of Wealth and Personal Banking at HSBC Egypt.

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 09

FINANCE >

OQ OF OMAN TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANELS AT AL BURAIMI WELLS

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Q announced that they have signed an agreement with Wali of Al Buraimi regarding the construction of auxiliary wells within Falaj Al Buraimi, and Sa’ara within Wilayat. Wali of Al Buraimi, Shaikh Dr. Hilal bin Ali al Habsi, Omar bin Mohammed al Abri, and the Acting Head of the Foreign Affairs and Social Investment Unit in OQ were present at the signing ceremony. Other senior officials from the General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth

APICORP: MENA ENERGY INVESTMENTS SET FOR HEALTHY GROWTH OF 9% OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS, TO REACH USD 879 BILLION

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he Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (APICORP), a multilateral financial institution, has launched its MENA Energy Investment Outlook 2022-2026, forecasting that the total planned and committed investments in the MENA region are expected to increase by 9% to exceed USD879 Bn over the next five years – a USD 74 Bn increase from the USD 805 Bn estimate in last year’s five-year outlook. The report notes that the Russia-Ukraine war has led to contrasting impacts on the region’s energy landscape, with net-energy exporters spearheading the increase in project expenditure thanks to the windfall of oil and gas revenues caused by the spike in prices driven by the war. However, global geopolitical volatility and macro headwinds are not curtailing oil, gas, power, and petrochemical investment growth in MENA for the upcoming 5 years.

and Water Resources and the General Directorate of Health Affairs were also present.

This agreement will allow for the installation of solar panels that can be used to power water pumps, thereby ensuring project sustainability.

IRENA AND OPEC FUND JOIN FORCES TO UNLOCK INVESTMENT IN ENERGY TRANSITION

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he International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund) are ramping up efforts to advance renewable energy investment and enable access to sustainable finance in emerging and developing economies. A Memorandum of Understanding signed in Vienna by IRENA’s Director-General Francesco La Camera and the DirectorGeneral of the OPEC Fund, Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, formalizes the cooperation. In pursuit of the common objective of a just, inclusive and equitable energy transition aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable

ABU DHABI’S IHC INVESTS RS 15,400 CRORE IN ADANI GROUP FIRMS

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bu Dhabi’s International Holding Company PJSC (IHC) has invested Rs 15,400 crore (USD 2 billion) as primary capital in three Adani portfolio companies — Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), Adani Transmission Ltd (ATL), and Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL). IHC has invested Rs 3,850 crore each in AGEL and ATL and Rs 7,700 crore in AEL, the Indian conglomerate said on Tuesday. Abu Dhabi-based global strategic investment company IHC has completed “a Rs

Development and the Paris Agreement, both

15,400 crore investment transaction in the Adani portfolio companies, AGEL, ATL, and AEL,” the Adani

sides agreed to mobilize finance, unlock investment, and support project development on the ground.

Group said in a statement. IHC provided capital to the three firms through the preferential allotment route.

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 10

PROJECTS >

DAIKIN LAUNCHES A SOLAR PLANT AT ITS DUBAI HEADQUARTERS WITH YELLOW DOOR ENERGY

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aikin Middle East and Africa FZE (“Daikin”), a leading manufacturer of Air Conditioning, Heating, Ventilation, & Refrigerant solutions, moves closer to its Net Zero by 2050 Target with the launch of a new solar plant at its headquarters in Dubai. The project is made possible with a solar lease from Yellow Door Energy, a UAEbased sustainable energy provider for businesses.

Located in Jebel Ali Free Zone (“JAFZA”), Daikin’s headquarters currently serves as the base of operations for over 300 staff members from sales & operational functions to service the Middle Eastern and African markets. The facility is situated on 22,000 sqm of land, with the building and warehouse amounting to 7,500 sqm, and combines the Training Academy, AHU Factory, experience center.

and

a

future

flagship

MA’ADEN AND GLASSPOINT SIGN AN MOU TO DEVELOP THE WORLD’S LARGEST SOLAR PROCESS STEAM PLANT

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audi Arabian Mining Company (MA’ADEN), Saudi Arabia’s national mining champion and one of the fastest-growing mining companies in the world, and GlassPoint, the leader in industrial solar steam, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to develop the world’s largest solar process heat plant at MA’ADEN’s Alumina refinery. When complete, the 1,500 MW solar steam facility will help MA’ADEN achieve sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions by over 600,000 tons annually. This represents more than a 50% reduction of carbon footprint in MA’ADEN’s Alumina refinery and 4% of MA’ADEN’s overall carbon footprint. The MOU was signed at MA’ADEN HQ in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by Riyadh Al Nassar, senior vice president of MA’ADEN’s aluminum business, and Rod MacGregor, CEO, and founder of GlassPoint, witnessed by Robert Wilt, CEO of MA’ADEN, and Jacob Drejer, CCO of GlassPoint.

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MASDAR AGREES TO DEVELOP 1 GW OF SOLAR PV PROJECTS IN AZERBAIJAN

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asdar, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, has signed implementation agreements with the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to develop clean and renewable energy projects in the country with a combined confirmed capacity of 4,000 megawatts (MW) as an exclusive concession, with the right to develop an additional 6,000 MW as a second phase, bringing the total production capacity of these projects to 10,000 MW – the largest such signing in Azerbaijan’s history. Masdar signed two implementation agreements, one relating to the development of onshore wind projects with a capacity of 1,000 MW, and 1,000 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. The second agreement covers integrated offshore wind and green hydrogen projects with a capacity of 2,000 MW.

DHL EXPRESS INSTALLS SOLAR POWER PLANT AT ITS AMMAN FACILITY WITH YELLOW DOOR ENERGY

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HL Express, the largest regional express, and logistics provider have installed a solar power plant at its Amman facility for reducing its energy consumption by 100 percent. This is also in line with its global sustainability commitments of becoming a net-zero logistics company by 2050. This solar project is one of the many solar photovoltaic projects that will be implemented in DHL’s regional offices in the near future. DHL as of now has installed around 434 solar panels at its Jordan unit in partnership with Yellow Door Energy, the region’s leading sustainable energy partner. In its first year, the solar plant will produce 294 kWh of renewable energy. This would provide 100% of the facility’s energy needs with half the electricity costs.

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PROJECTS >

MONDELĒZ SIGNS A SOLAR POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH YELLOW DOOR ENERGY IN BAHRAIN

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ondelēz Bahrain Biscuits WLL signed recently a solar power purchase agreement with Yellow Door Energy, a leading provider of sustainable energy for businesses in the Middle East and Pakistan.

Located at the state-of-the-art Mondelēz biscuit factory in Al-Hidd, Bahrain, the solar plant will have a capacity of 2.3 megawatts and will

ACWA POWER SIGNS A PPA FOR BUILDING 91 MW SOLAR POWER PROJECT

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CWA Power has signed a power purchase agreement for 30 years for a 91 MW solar power project, that will be over 300 km south of Riyadh.

ACWA Power will build, develop and operate the Layla Photovoltaic (PV) Solar IPP, according to the agreement. The project’s estimated value is SAR 401 million (USD 106.9 million). ACWA Power holds approximately 40% of the project. Layla PV Solar IPP was offered in Round 3 of the National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP). The contract was won by ACWA Power and the Ministry of Energy after they received the lowest bid of SAR 0.112/kWh. Once the project is in commercial operation, which is expected to happen in the first quarter of 2024, we will know the financial impact of the PPA.

OMAN POWER AND WATER PROCUREMENT COMPANY PLAN PROJECTS OVER $1.250 BILLION IN RENEWABLE ENERGY

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comprise over 4,200 solar panels for both rooftop and carport applications. Once completed, the solar plant is expected to produce 3,820 megawatt-hours of clean energy in the first year of operation, equivalent to reducing carbon

aqub bin Salif Al-Kiyumi, CEO of Oman Power and Water Procurement Company, stated that OPWPC plans to attract over $1.250 billion, in several projects in the renewable energy sector. The CEO of the company plans to build two solar plants in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate with a combined capacity of 1,000 MW. These projects will be awarded by the end of the year. These projects are expected to receive a private investment of approximately $600 million. He said that the company plans to

emissions by 2,400 metric tons. As the solar developer, Yellow Door Energy is responsible for financing, designing, building, commissioning,

invest approximately $300 million in wind energy in South Sharqiyah Governorate’s Wilayat de Jalan Bani Bu Ali and Al

operating, and maintaining the solar plant for the duration of the agreement. By working with solar developers, leading businesses can reduce their energy costs without any upfront investment or operational risk, while maintaining focus on their core business and enjoying

the

benefits

of

clean

energy.

Wusta Governorate’s Wilayat de Duqm. The company will also begin the process of selecting developers by the end of the year.

ENOWA, ITOCHU, AND VEOLIA SIGN MOU TO BUILD NEW GENERATION OF DESALINATION PLANT POWERED BY 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY IN NEOM

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NOWA, the energy, water, and hydrogen subsidiary of NEOM, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japanese trading company, ITOCHU, and Veolia, a global leader in water, waste, and energy management solutions. As part of the MoU, the companies have agreed to collaborate to develop a first-of-its-kind selective desalination plant powered by 100% renewable energy in OXAGON, NEOM’s advanced manufacturing, and innovation city.

Set to produce its early water in 2024, the new facility will be key to realizing ENOWA’s ambitions to create a sustainable, abundant water supply for residential, industrial, and commercial use. Aligned with NEOM’s commitment to developing a circular economy the new state-of-the-art plant will use advanced membrane technology to produce separate brine streams. This enables ENOWA to produce brine-derived products, which will be developed and monetized downstream.

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 12

PROJECTS >

TRIPLE M, EGYPT PLANS TO ACQUIRE 1.5 GW OF RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS

KARMSOLAR OBTAINS GENERATION LICENSE FOR BIGGEST SOLAR NET-METERING PROJECT IN EGYPT

riple M plans to acquire a total of 1.5 GW capacity of renewable energy projects in and out of Egypt. This includes 500 MW of wind energy projects and 1,000 MW of solar energy projects. Chairperson of Triple M Saudi Arabia, Hatem Al-Romy said that Triple M is working in the solar energy production field regardless of whether these are connected with the electric grid or not. The company also sets up water desalination plants for energy production and waste recycling. The partnership with Fawasil aligns with the company’s aim to decrease its carbon emission and also with the kingdom’s 2050 Vision. Triple M is equally owned by Triple M Egypt and Fawasil of Saudi Arabia. Triple M currently has a total of 1,952 MW capacity for solar and wind energy projects.

n June of 2022, KarmSolar was able to obtain the license for generation and get the project commissioned. Dakahlia Group is one of the largest exporters of oranges in the world, and one of KarmSolar’s biggest clients, with more than 20 MWp of solar installed for their facilities. The construction of Dakahlia Group’s solar net-metering station took 6 months to complete. The station has a capacity of over 16 MWp, making it the largest solar net-metering project in Egypt. This 16.8 MWp station commissioned for Dakahlia Agriculture Development is the largest private Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) project in Egypt.

Located amongst the orange fruit orchards of Dakahlia Group in Wadi Natrun, this station is a seemingly endless sea of solar arrays that you can get lost in. One of the main characteristics of solar is how it can generate massive amounts of energy quietly, blending in with the calm nature of its environment.

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Fawasil currently owns 5 factories in Saudi Arabia and has around 32 projects. Chairperson of Fawasil, Omar AlHarbi said that various projects by Triple have helped in expanding the markets and this partnership will give more scope for such projects in the Kingdom.

BENYA GROUP SIGNS AN AGREEMENT WITH ALFANAR TO IMPLEMENT RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS IN EGYPT AND SAUDI ARABIA

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MASE SIGNS O&M CONTRACT FOR SHAMSUNA 10 MW SOLAR PV PLANT

M

and

ASE, the leading regional solar operations, maintenance firm signed a turn-key

o capitalize on the strategic relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Benya Group, the leading digital

contract with Catalyst Investment Management (CIM) to operate and maintain the Shamsuna 10

solutions and ICT infrastructure provider in Egypt, Africa, and the Middle East, has signed a cooperation

MW Solar PV Plant located within Solar Park I of the Ma’an Development Area in Ma’an, Jordan.

The Plant, owned by CIM, is part of Jordan’s

agreement with Al-Fanar Company, a leader in the electrical and construction industries in the Middle East and Asia. The objective of this agreement is to support

Round I Renewable Energy IPP Program. It is financed by the World Bank’s International

the anticipated expansions of both companies in the Egyptian and Saudi markets and provide the latest

Finance Corporation (IFC), acting as mandate lender for the Seven Sisters Program, together

advanced solutions in digital transformation, infrastructure, and renewable energy. The signing of the

with the Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO). Under the contract, MASE will carry out

agreement coincides with the visit of his Highness, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman to Egypt, given that Saudi Arabia is one of the major

turn-key operations, maintenance, and management services comprising preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance to

economic partners of Egypt with nearly $30 billion in

ensure the plant’s long-term performance and optimal availability.

investments.

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 13

PROJECTS >

BELECTRIC COMMISSIONS 46 MW JORDAN SOLAR AND STORAGE PROJECT

LEBANON GRANTS LICENSES TO 11 COMPANIES TO BUILD SOLAR PLANTS OF 15 MEGAWATTS CAPACITY EACH

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he energy minister of Lebanon, Walid Fayyad announced that 11 companies have been granted licenses to build solar plants capable of generating 15 megawatts each. Minister said that the companies will have one year for securing the funding applications for both local and international companies. Since 1990, Lebanon has been experiencing constant power outages after a 15-year civil conflict that ended 1990. Many families have had to rely on private generators and the state’s electricity infrastructure. Lebanon’s government was unable to run its power plants and subsidize fuel imports due to the economic crisis. These stations could only partially meet the energy needs of Lebanon, which exceeds 3,000 MW.

B

ELECTRIC is delivering a utility-scale PV plant on challenging terrain: the company has completed a solar plant in Jordan on mountainous terrain with a varied ground composition close to the airport of Amman.

BELECTRIC, via its subsidiary BELECTRIC Gulf Ltd., has built and commissioned the South Amman Solar Power Plant with a total installed capacity of 46.33 MWp as EPC (Engineering-Procurement-Construction) provider on behalf of the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. In addition to the turnkey PV solution, BELECTRIC is delivering a battery storage system with a capacity of 2.6 MWh for the South Amman solar project.

IMERYS AL ZAYANI BAHRAIN, YELLOW DOOR ENERGY, AND MIDAL SOLAR PARTNER ON SOLAR PPA

I

merys, the world leader in mineral-based specialty solutions for industry, is partnering with Yellow Door

ACWA POWER AND SAUDI WATER PARTNERSHIP COMPANY TO RECONFIGURE SHUAIBAH 3 IWPP PARTIALLY POWERED BY SOLAR ENERGY

A

CWA Power, a leading Saudi developer, investor, and operator of power generation, desalinated water, and green hydrogen plants worldwide, Shuaibah Water Electricity Company (SWEC), and Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC), the off-taker of Shuaibah 3 IWPP, signed an agreement to restructure the Shuaibah 3 Independent Water and Power Project (IWPP). The agreement entails the conversion and replacement of the IWPP from an energy-intensive power generation and thermal desalination facility to a greenfield seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant under the name “Shuaibah 3 Independent Water Project (IWP)”. As such, operations of the Shuaibah 3 Independent Water and Power Project (IWPP) will cease in 2025, saving nearly 45 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions and 22 million barrels of light crude oil annually.

Energy, the leading sustainable provider for businesses in the Middle East and Pakistan, to install over 8,500 solar panels at its white fused alumina production plant in Bahrain. This alumina plant is operated by Imerys and Bahraini partner Al Zayani Industries. Covering an area of 25,000 square meters, the solar plant will be connected to Imerys Al Zayani’s internal distribution network. It will have a capacity of 4,677 kWp and will generate 7,600 megawatthours of clean electricity in the first year of operation.

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 14

IN CONVERSATION

Nat Vora Chief Financial Officer, Solarwadi

KEY HIGHLIGHTS The six GCC countries are in the top 14 per capita emitters of carbon dioxide in the world.

The GCC governments are aggressively promoting the renewables sector esp. Solar, Wind & Green Hydrogen.

The rapid shift towards renewable energy to lower carbon emissions has given emergence to Green or Clean funding

by Banks, PEs, and Investment Institutions.

Q

Please brief our readers about your journey in the Renewable Energy field.

Over the past 30 years, I have worked in a variety of sectors – Real Estate, Media, Telecom, Petrochemicals, Diversified groups, and Oil & Gas. My shift to the Renewables sector was a conscious decision, almost like a journey of redemption. I have been passionate about Environment Preservation and was involved with the Wildlife Preservation Trust of Canada as a Board member from 1996 to 2002. My experience in Solar Power generation and working in the sector have grown in the last 9 months.

On the finance side, it has afforded me an opportunity to come up with innovative options which will be actioned in the next couple of years.

Q

How has the Renewable Energy sector evolved in the region over the last few years?

already the cheapest option.

Furthermore, solar power generation fits very well with demand patterns where air conditioning dominates the electricity demand curve, particularly in GCC countries. Gulf countries are as richly endowed with renewable resources as they are with hydrocarbons. They benefit from strong regular sunshine, and the space to develop large solar power plants. The region also has significant wind resources, making renewables the ideal solution to their problems. The GCC governments are aggressively promoting the renewables sector esp.

Solar, Wind & Green Hydrogen. Oman expects to generate 20% of its total energy consumption through renewable

Q

How has the role of finance evolved in the RE sector?

Finance plays an important role in the development of any industry, over the years traditional financing methods were largely used for the RE sector, though over the years the importance of differential Energy Financing has emerged and is evolving. The RE sector needs to be evaluated in a specific

energy by 2027.

manner to enable quick and affordable financing for the projects especially as it

Q

is a Capital-intensive industry, the payback would take time. The rapid shift

According to you, what is the future outlook of the RE sector?

According to a report from the IEA, Renewables 2019 published in

The demand for Energy has grown rapidly in the Gulf region over the last 10

November 2019, almost 33 percent of the world’s electricity is forecast to

years @ 8% a year and is expected to be 100GW of additional power in the

come from renewables, with solar (PV) contributing almost 60 percent (about 700GW) of expected growth. Onshore

coming decade. The six GCC countries are in the top 14 per capita emitters of carbon dioxide in the world; renewables

fight against Climate Change would resort to Renewables as a primary source of Energy in the coming decades. Hence, the future for the RE sector is secure, rather I believe tomorrow belongs to the RE sector.

wind (309 GW), hydropower (121 GW), offshore wind (43 GW), and bioenergy

towards renewable energy to lower carbon emissions has given emergence to Green or Clean funding by Banks, PEs, and Investment Institutions. As we see the finance function is evolving though there is a requirement development and growth.

Q

for

further

How has technology contributed to the progress of the RE sector?

offer a financially viable way to change that. There is also growing pressure to

follow (41 GW). With the focus on Climate Change and ESG reporting,

One of the main influences of improving technology in the RE sector is

protect the Gulf’s fragile environment.

Improving technology and growing

Renewable Energy is the future. The recent geo-political events have also brought forth Energy security concerns

developing equipment with greater efficiency and lowering costs. The

competition have seen the cost of renewable energy drop dramatically. In some parts of the world, especially when compared to diesel generation, it is

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and a growing need for Self Reliance. I personally believe that future generations who are at the fore of the

improvements in technology have also improved the functioning life of the equipment, thereby lowering the capital invested and as a result energy cost.

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 15

FEATURED INTERVIEW

Yu Bingkun (Melo) Product Director of LONGi MEA & CA

KEY HIGHLIGHTS The high temperature and radiation in the region make MEA the most ideal place for developing the PV industry.

Our target is to provide the most beneficial product to the market for the advancement of the industry.

LONGi’s aim is to lead the market in the coming three to seven years period.

Q

How has LONGi’s journey been in the MEA region so far?

In my opinion, devotion, persistence, and cooperation are the three main factors that can help the MEA region to progress ahead. LONGi has always provided a win-win solution to all the participants in this market, whether it is with all our clients or the raw material suppliers. We pay a lot of importance to developing and innovating new technology and therefore, LONGi always invests 5% of its revenue in R&D. Hence, LONGi owns the most efficient technology in the market. And when the timing is right, we bring the latest technologies to benefit all the parties in the best possible way. LONGi wants to provide a win-win solution to all the parties even in the future and moving ahead we want to keep adding value to our clients and be of great benefit to them.

We wish to lead the trend in the PV module technology as well as the promotion & marketing aspect. Our goal is to have a 30% share of this market in the coming three years.

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Q

What is your outlook on the evolution of PV technology in the MEA region in the next couple of years?

Q

What are some challenges that you face in the MEA region as a top module manufacturer?

We all know that the nature of technology is to facilitate the development of the PV industry and bring more renewable energy to the world and make the world as green as it was. Our goal is to achieve a comprehensive solution. Hence, the most important thing is to find a balance

We wish people can realize that the value of a brand from the long-term perspective is determined not just by the price. Though the price is important as it gives you a lifetime warranty and insurance, it is not the only thing. The most important thing is to ensure all the promises from the propaganda are fulfilled. At LONGi, we wish to have a

between the cost and benefit. The cost is related to mass production and the

better channel to express this and want to emphasize this point to all of our

benefit is to encourage people to continuously invest in the PV industry.

clients. So for us, that’s the challenge, we need more channels to emphasize this logic to all our clients and to all the

Based on these factors LONGi believes that in the coming three years, our new product (yet to be officially launched)

end-users to persuade and preserve their trust in our brand.

and type TopCon will become very popular. When it comes to the MEA region, we all know that it has a very high temperature and intense radiation here. Hence, we will need to be more aggressive in terms of bringing the latest technology to the region. To address this requirement, we have our TopCon line of products and we will also be coming up with our new product soon.

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 16

Q

How can these challenges be overcome in order to make solar technology even more efficient?

Firstly, I think we need more and more partners, especially the marketing promotion partners and other reputable parties to do pilot tests and to enhance the reliability performance.

Most importantly, we need to continuously invest in our R&D department. Even though we have all the traditional technologies in the market but still, we need to continuously invest in R&D to fund other potential latent technologies.

More and more possibilities should be explored to find if there is any way to do some technology combinations and to do some upgrading to the existing technology in this industry. LONGi’s aim is to lead the market in the coming, three to seven years period. We want our solutions to elicit cooperation with all our partners. And the other thing is, we want to keep continuously investing in our R&D aspect.

Q LONGi’s aim is to lead the market in the coming, three to seven years period.

We want our solutions to elicit cooperation with all our partners. And the other thing is, we want to keep continuously investing in our R&D aspect.

What kind of product from your portfolio has the most potential for the MEA market and why?

Currently, our Hi-Mo 5 series, which is a professional series for utility-scale and HTH series, which is our new product ( the detailed specification for the same will be shared soon) for the Distributed Generation market are the best solutions for the MEA region. The high temperature and radiation in the region make MEA the most ideal place for developing the PV industry. Our Hi-Mo 5 series has the best temperature coefficient and are custom arranged to provide the best performance in the Bos N series. Also, our new product can save quite a lot in the BOS aspect. Our new product especially has the potential to become a more efficient and overwhelming advantage as it can beat any other current technology in the market. Hence, it is our mission to import

Q

What is LONGi aiming to achieve in the next couple of years in the region?

The MEA region has the potential to become the biggest market in the world and we want to play a significant role in this journey. Our efforts will always be to provide the most attractive and competitive product to the market to build a greener world. We want to establish the best partnership in this region with not just our clients, but also the marketing partners, the labs, and the suppliers as well. Our target is to provide the most beneficial product to the market for the advancement of the industry. We wish to lead the trend in the PV module technology as well as the promotion & marketing aspect. Our goal is to have a 30% share of this market in the coming three years.

this new technology to the market to benefit all our clients and the industry as a whole.

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 17

MIDDLE EAST RESEARCH

POLICY DEBRIEF National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) was adopted by the government of Bahrain for efficient consumption of energy as well as target-based energy savings in a time-bound manner. It has set a 6% national energy efficiency target by the year 2025. The target is set as a reduction of energy consumption in 2025, expressed as a percentage of the average final energy consumption during the baseline period (2009-2013).

NEEAP prepared by the Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU) which

BAHRAIN’S EXPECTED ENERGY SAVINGS FROM THE NEEAP

3010 GWH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

308 GWH GOVERNMENT

786 GWH INDUSTRY

directly reports to the Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs.

The other key stakeholder groups in making NEEAP are The Electricity and Water Authority.

The National Oil and Gas Authority.

The Ministry of Housing.

The Ministry of Works.

Urban Planning & Municipalities.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Tourism.

The Supreme Council For The Environment.

The Bahrain Defense Force.

975 GWH ELECTRICITY

253 GWH TRANSPORT

460 GWH

CROSS-SECTORAL

5,792 GWH

6% NATIONAL TARGET

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 18

MIDDLE EAST RESEARCH

National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) In the context of the sustainable energy transition plan envisioned in the economic vision 2030 and the government action plan 2015-18, the Gov of Bahrain adopted The National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP).

The targets are based on the projected peak load electricity capacities, excluding the industry’s own generation, and equate to 255MW of installed capacity by 2025 and to 710 MW by 2035.

NATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET

5%

2025

10%

2035

The policies to achieve the NREAP targets are given below.

Policy 1 - Net Metering.

Policy 2 - Tender based Feed-in-Tariff (FiT).

Policy 3 - Renewable Energy Mandate for New Buildings.

Deployment Strategy 100 to 150 MW renewable energy (RE) capacity from decentralized urban generation.

50-100 MW RE capacity from largescale generation on available land.

Estimated 50MW RE capacity addition from offshore generation (wind).

The sustainable energy unit (SEU) is the designated nodal agency for promoting sustainable energy policies and practices in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 19

MIDDLE EAST RESEARCH Bahrain’s Net Metering Policy For Solar The Net Metering policy was approved by the government of Bahrain’s cabinet resolution no.2 of 2017 and approved in the national gazette on 28th Dec 2017. This policy bolsters the country’s economic vision 2030 goals.

Limit to Capacity of Renewable Generation In any circumstances total cumulative maximum capacity of the RE generators can not be more than approved load for the consumption account held by the producers with the plot.

Local demand is circumscribed by caps imposed by state-owned utilities that limit the size of rooftop solar systems installed at industrial and commercial enterprises to 500 kW in Bahrain.

Net Metering & Billing Procedure Any

be

be carried forward to the next Billing Cycle and follow

connected to one Hosting Account specified by the Producer during the application process. In all

Renewable

Energy

Generator

shall

the same billing procedure as prescribed earlier. The Surplus Electricity will be carried forward indefinitely

cases, one Renewable Energy Generator cannot be connected under more than one Hosting Account.

to the next Billing Cycle without any limitation in time or quantity. The Producer cannot claim any financial settlement for such Surplus Electricity.

1

2

2035

For the first Billing Cycle after connection of the Renewable Energy Generator, the Authority shall

The Producer may request the Authority to add any

calculate the difference between the Imported Electricity and the Exported Electricity (in kilowatthours). The net difference is calculated according to the following:

new Consumption Account that the Producer might open to the sequence of accounts for offsetting purposes. The Producer may also request to modify the sequence of accounts.

When the Import Electricity is greater than the Export Electricity the Net Import will be billed by the Authority to the Producer according to the tariff brackets applicable to the Producer’s Consumption Account.

When the Export Electricity is greater than the Import Electricity, the billing will be performed in the following manner: For a Producer holding only one Consumption Account, the Surplus Electricity is carried forward to the next Billing Cycle.

In the event of the closure of the Hosting Account any remaining Surplus Electricity shall be credited to the future Consumption Account of the Producer.

For a Producer holding multiple Consumption Accounts, the Surplus Electricity will be deducted from the consumption readings of the other accounts held by the Producer in the sequence as specified by the Producer during the application process. Should the Export Electricity be greater than the Import Electricity under all Consumption Accounts of the Producer, the Surplus Electricity will

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In case of rent or transfer of the Hosting Account, a joint request from the Producer and the new Hosting Account holder (the lessee or the new owner) may be submitted to the Authority requesting the transfer of Renewable Energy Generator from the Consumption Account of the original Producer to the Consumption Account of the new Hosting Account holder. Any Surplus Electricity that may have been recorded for the closed Hosting Account shall be credited to the future Consumption Account of the original Producer.

In the event of disconnection of the Hosting Account due to non-payment, the Authority shall stop any import and export of electricity from and to the Hosting Account.

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 20

MIDDLE EAST RESEARCH

Renewable Energy Law To encourage the participation of the private sector in the production of electricity through renewable energy sources, Egypt brought into force the Renewable Energy Law (Decree No. 203/2014) in 2015. This law introduced several development schemes for the private development of renewable energy projects, including competitive bidding, FiTs, and independent power production through third-party access.

Feed-in-Tariff: Egypt’s solar feed-in-tariff program, provides long-term contracts of a lower fixed tariff rate compared to the retail market tariff rate, to private energy companies with a view to generating investment in renewable sources.

Third-Party Access: Under the New Electricity Law of July 2015, direct contractual relations between suppliers and end users can exist, confirming the transition of the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), a state-owned offtaker, to a conductor of system operations and dispatching procedures. With respect to the implementation of power purchase agreements (PPAs), EETC has faced difficulties addressing its financial obligations and securing bankable PPAs.

Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (ISES) 2035 The Egyptian government introduced the Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy (ISES) 2035. As specified in the ISES to 2035, the Egyptian government has set renewable energy targets of 20% of the electricity mix by 2022 and 42% by 2035. This strategy involves stepping up the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency, in part through vigorous rehabilitation and maintenance programs in the power sector.

Net Metering Scheme On 28 April 2020, the Egyptian Electricity Utility and Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency (“EgyptERA“) issued Decree no.2 of 2020 (the “Decree”) setting out the new rules for net metering. This Decree replaced previous decrees announced by EgyptERA in relation to net metering.

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 21

MIDDLE EAST RESEARCH ELIGIBILITY FOR NET METERING The solar plant must be installed within the boundaries of the customer’s premises.

The capacity of a solar plant under the net metering system shall not exceed the maximum load of the customer during the fiscal year preceding the commercial operation date of such plant.

Total capacity of all solar plants under the net metering scheme which is connected to the distribution grids and owned by one consumer shall not exceed 30 MW in aggregate, with a maximum capacity of 25 MW per project.

An eligible customer for net metering can not be licensed to distribute electricity to the same project. For example, a DISCOM which distributes electricity to a residential compound cannot install a solar plant to benefit from the net metering system.

Restriction The aggregate capacity of installing solar plants under the net metering scheme across the country shall not exceed 1000 MW. Net-metering plants as well as self-consumption projects with a capacity of up to 1000 MW, are exempted from the integration fees.

Billing For Net Metering After adjusting the consumer's consumption at June end of each year, payment for excess capacity will be made annually. The purchase price (piasters/KWh), as agreed between the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company of (EETC), and solar energy producers will determine the amount to be paid.

Merger Fee On Egypt’s Renewable Energy (RE) Project The Egyptian Electric Utility & Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency has issued Circular No. 3 for 2022 ("Circular") to charge a meager fee to renewable energy generation plants that are part of (1) the net-metering scheme and (2) the self-consumption network connected to the grid.

The merger fee will be at the following rates:

Extra High Voltage

0.329

High Voltage

0.326

Medium Voltage

0.257

The fee will have an impact on new plants with a generation capacity larger than 500 kW. Isolated selfconsumption plants and projects under the FiT program are not subject to the fee.

MIDDLE EAST RESEARCH

National Energy Strategy (NES) 2015-2025 According to the recently adopted National Energy Strategy (NES) 2015-2025 (MEMR), a target of 11% RE mix into the grid has been fixed by 2025. Under this strategy, all tendered projects shall clearly state its fixed electricity tariff and be part of a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the bulk supply licensee or the retail supply licensee. The offtaker of this RE power will be the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO).

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Law (REEL) In April 2012, the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Law (REEL) was passed with the intention of encouraging private sector investment in renewable

Wheeling Charges EMRC has issued wheeling regulations that were intended to regulate and enable off-site renewable energy generation and on-site consumption of private off-takers.

Reference Price List Record Reference price list records are used to determine a ceiling on electricity purchase prices from renewable sources. The US$/kWh minimum tariff for selling electric energy from renewable energy facilities is 0.17 USD/Kwh respectively for PV-based systems. If the facility is Jordanian in origin, the tariff may be increased by 15%.

Net Metering Scheme

energy. It contains guidelines on the implementation of renewable energies and energy-efficiency measures. It exempts all systems and equipment for renewable

If the monthly average consumption is less than their

energy projects from customs duties and sales tax. REEL tasks MEMR in identifying suitable locations to apply

small hydro, bio-energy, small hydro) to their grid. The net value of the electricity consumption (or generation)

renewable energy and coordinating this selection with land-use lists.

is calculated each month. In the case of net consumption, the user pays the value of electricity to the distributor. The directive states that the maximum

Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund REEL established the Jordan Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund and MEMR were responsible for its launch in 2013. The Fund guarantees to fund investors and grants funds for energy projects. For the establishment of renewable energy generation projects, both foreign and national private companies can apply for fund support. It provides renewable energy subsidies for privately-owned facilities; interest rate subsidies on commercial loans; public equity funds to support the deployment of private investment in the sector; renewable energy guarantee facility to facilitate credit access to energy efficiency and renewable project developers; feasibility studies; research grants; technical cooperation grants.

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expected generation, the directive permits consumers to connect and use renewable energy systems (solar wind,

renewable energy capacity for a geographic location must not exceed 5 MW. Furthermore, the capacity of connected systems must not exceed 1% of the maximum recorded load on low-voltage networks and 1.5% on medium-voltage networks.

Tax Incentive Regime According to the Tax Incentive Regime, all systems and equipment of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency and its production inputs whether manufactured locally and/or imported, will be exempted from all customs duties and sales tax.

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 23

MIDDLE EAST RESEARCH

Rooftop Solar Scheme - Sahim The Oman Authority for Electricity Regulation (" AER") launched the Sahim initiative in May 2017. It was divided into two phases.

SAHIM I Sahim I permits large households and businesses to set up smallscale grid-connected PV systems at their own expense. They also receive an export tariff (the bulk supplies tariff) for excess electricity that is exported to the grid under a feed-in-tariff-like program.

SAHIM II Sahim II will promote wider-scale deployments for small-scale gridconnected PV systems at around 10% to 30 percent of Oman's residential premises (or about 250,000 rooftop installations that equate to approximately 1GW of solar capability), by providing funding solutions. In the Sahim II scheme, rather than the customers installing the systems at their own cost, private developers build, own, and operate such PV systems at premises designated by AER.

Compliances Under Sahim II Scheme To remunerate their investment costs (Capex and Opex plus some returns), licensed suppliers will enter into long-term performance-based agreements with private PV installers.

Participating customers will contribute to Sahim II based upon expected savings on their electricity bills.

Participating customers will not have any ownership rights over the PV systems but will enjoy lower bills over their lifetime.

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May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 24

MIDDLE EAST RESEARCH

Net Metering Scheme

Saudi Vision 2030

National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREP)

ECRA established new rules for distributed PV systems in 2020. They are available from 1kW to 2MW for all types and consumers. This framework allows electricity distribution companies to help consumers looking to install solar PV systems by providing information necessary for feasibility studies and applying for grid connection. The maximum aggregate capacity allowable in different premises owned or controlled by the same eligible customer

Saudi Arabia's National Renewable Energy Program is (NREP)

within a supply area that is related to one

overseen by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources (MEIM). This long-term strategic initiative

electricity department is 5 MW. The total installed small-scale PV capacity cannot exceed 15% of the rated transformer capacity for a

KSA has set a Vision 2030 goal to produce 58.7GW RE power by 2030. In the beginning, it aims for 27.3GW RE power by 2024. The 2030 goal is broken down into 40GW of photovoltaic, 16GW of wind, and 2.7GW of concentrated sun power (CSP). The remaining 70% capacity is going to be installed through PIF, by direct negotiation with developers.

directly supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia seeks to increase its renewable energy and oil share to around 50% under the NREP and diversify its energy mix. The NREP facilitates renewable power capacity auction and tendering systems.

substation.

Net Billing Mechanism Any exported electricity will be added to the monthly electricity account

Saudi Green Initiative

at a fixed cost per unit. You can roll over excess credit into the next month. The DISCOM must

The Saudi Green Initiative has four main goals. It aims to plant 10

provide net billing arrangements to all eligible

Billion trees in Saudi Arabia and 50 Billion across the Middle East.

Also, it aims to eliminate 130 MtCO2 from the Middle East through

consumers provided that the PV system's small scale does not exceed 3% of the previous year's

clean hydrocarbon technologies. Under SGI to raise protected areas to more than 30% of total marine and terrestrial area.

peak load.

Energy Strategy 2050 UAE launched "Energy Strategy 2050", which is the country's first unified energy strategy. This strategy is based on supply and demand. The strategy seeks to increase clean energy contribution in the total energy mix, from 25% to 50% by 2050. It also aims to reduce the carbon footprint for power generation by 70%. This will allow the UAE to save AED 700 billion annually by 2050. It also aims at increasing the efficiency of consumption for individuals and corporations by 40 percent.

Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) Vision 2025 SEWA's vision for 2025 includes Sharjah's transformation into a "green giant" and the goal of carbon neutrality. This includes prioritizing the integration between renewable energy and energy efficiency.

To meet the UAE's environmental and economic goals, the strategy aims to create an energy mix that includes renewables, nuclear, and clean energy sources.

44%

Clean Energy

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38% Gas

12%

Clean Coal

38%

Nuclear May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 25

MIDDLE EAST RESEARCH

Egypt’s Recent Amendment To

NET METERING SCHEME On 28 April 2020, the Egyptian Electricity Utility and Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency (“EgyptERA“) issued Decree no.2 of 2020 (the “Decree”) setting out the new rules for net metering. This Decree replaced previous decrees announced by EgyptERA in relation to net metering.

Eligibility For Net Metering According To Decree no.2 2020 The solar plant must be installed within the boundaries of the customer’s premises.

The capacity of a solar plant under the net metering system shall not exceed the maximum load of the customer during the fiscal year preceding the commercial operation date of such plant.

The maximum capacity for plants owned by one customer should not exceed 25 MW in aggregate or 20 MW per project.

An eligible customer for net metering can not be licensed to distribute electricity to the same project. For example, a DISCOM which distributes electricity to a residential compound cannot install a solar plant to benefit from the net metering system.

Restriction For Net Metering According To Decree no.2 2020 Restrictions for Distribution Companies The decree stated that the total capacity of all solar plants connected by one distribution company under the net metering scheme could not exceed 1.5% of the maximum load for such companies during the fiscal years preceding year.

Restrictions for the National Grid The country's aggregate solar power generation capacity shall not exceed 300MW under the Net Metering scheme.

Middle East

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 26

MIDDLE EAST RESEARCH Billing For Net Metering According To Decree no.2 2020 After adjusting the consumer's consumption at June end of each year, payment for excess capacity will be made annually. The purchase price (piasters/KWh), as agreed between the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC), and solar energy producers will determine the amount to be paid.

The Egyptian Electric Utility & Consumer Protection Regulatory Agency (EgyptERA) has recently published Decree 6/2022, announcing new incentives aimed to encourage more solar plants.

The net metering system self-consumption connected to the grid (" Decree").

The amendments according to Decree no.06/2022, are given below.

Removing the maximum load restriction imposed on distribution companies in relation to net-metering plants.

The existing rule stated that the total installed capacity of net metering plants connected to the grid by one distribution company cannot exceed 1.5% of the maximum load such companies had recorded in the preceding fiscal year. This maximum limit has been lifted by Decree 06/2022. Distributors are now allowed to connect solar power plants under the net meters scheme without limitations on their total capacity.

Increasing the aggregate maximum capacity of net-metering plants allowed to be installed across the country from 300 MW to 1000 MW. Increasing the maximum capacity for plants owned by one consumer.

A customer can now have a net-metering project with a maximum capacity of 25 MW instead of 20 MW. Additionally, the total capacity of all customers' net-metering projects is increased to 30 MW instead of 25 MW. Expanding the exemption from the integration fee.

The merger fee was recently imposed on renewable energy plants that are subject to (1) the net-metering and (2) the self-consumption systems connected to the grid. According to decree no.6/2022, Integration fees are exempt from net-metering and self-consumption plants with capacities up to 1000 KW, compared to the previous 500 KW cap.

Middle East

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 27

TECHNICAL INSIGHT

Why Bifacial Solar Modules Are PREFERRED CHOICE For Middle East’s Utility Scale Solar Power Plants?

High Efficiency According to Jolywood’s statement, their new N-type TOPcon solar modules have reached over 22% efficiency and more than 500W power capacity. This high efficiency and high power capacity can drive down the balance of system (BoS) cost.

High Power Gain High power gains are possible due to the highly reflective desert surface in middle east regions. According to some 3rd party test results, it is found that N-type Topcon The Middle East, outside the tropics, has a dry summer climate that is typical of the desert. It receives high solar radiation and total illumination of 8640MJ/Year.

The Middle East is hot in summer (from May through October), with temperatures at 40.6 C to 48.2 C and 820°F in winter. This makes it ideal for solar energy. In the Middle East's fast-growing renewable energy market, bifacial panel technology is being increasingly adopted. Many of the region's newest projects contain bifacial PV (PV) panels. Because of its large land area, year-round sunshine, and desert aridity, the region has great potential for bifacial technology. Bifacial panels are more efficient than mono facial because they capture the light reflections from both the modules and the ground. The Middle East region's sand is very bright, so the reflection is very high, while in Europe, it’s very dark or grassy so it’s not as advantageous there. Thus the albedo level comes in higher in the middle east region. The Middle-East renewable power market is expected to grow to more than 192 GW. Solar generation will be 42% (80.6GW) of the market, which opens up more possibilities for countries that export solar energy.

Recently N-type TOPcon bifacial solar modules have been preferred for the Middle East’s dry and arid regions with the best albedo effect. The main benefits of N-type bifacial solar modules are given below.

Middle East

bifacial modules can garner a lot higher power gain with respect to PERC mono facial modules.

Reliability For long-term stability, heat resistance has been identified as an important criterion for a solar module. The average working temperature in the middle east region of a solar module is above 75 ℃ . Long-term exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to light-induced and elevated temperature-induced degradation (LeTID). Thus hightemperature exposure of the solar module in this region needs to be addressed. N-type modules offer the advantage of having a lower LeTID which makes them an excellent choice in such situations. Further, lower LID degradation of N-type modules offers an added advantage in terms of higher generation.

Middle East’s Projects With Bifacial Solar Module Oman’s 105 MW ac solar power plant by Marubeni Corporation’s latest power station, where N-type bifacial solar modules are used.

Oman Ibri II project, where 485 MW installed capacity is of N-type bifacial solar modules.

Kazakhstan’s 100 MW solar park, where N-type bifacial solar modules are used.

Dubai DEWA IV 320 MW solar park, where N-type bifacial solar modules are used.

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 28

COMPANY FEATURE Trina Solar Introduces a Revolutionary Upgrade to the Vertex Family:

G12R MODULES WITH RECTANGULAR CELLS Trina Solar’s Vertex modules are well known across the globe for their reliability, durability, high power, and efficiency. A revolutionary upgrade has been introduced to this Vertex series with two innovative G12R modules.

Trina Solar Makes A Mark in the PV Industry

Vertex S is the Winner of the Red Dot Product Design Award 2022 The Vertex S has won the ‘Red Dot Product Design Award 2022’ for its Ultimate Aesthetics consisting of Excellent Roof Appearance, Good Industry Design, and Cutting Edge Technology.

started to manufacture Rectangular cells with the same width of 182mm and the same length as 210mm cells.

Vertex S series was chosen out of nearly 10,000 entries from more than 60 countries for its advanced design concept and excellent user experience. The Red Dot Product Design Award 2022 is the most influential international industrial design award, considered an “Oscar” for product design. This honor

This series features the first-ever non-square cells - H4 cells, that

makes Trina Solar China’s first PV module manufacturer has won this award.

The new Modules series (G12R) was first launched at Intersolar Europe Expo in May 2022 to bring in the Revolution with Rectangle cells. For the first time in the industry, Trina Solar has

will lead the industry into a new era of higher power and improved efficiency. This upgrade will result in a better product experience and exceptional investment gains in non-utility markets.

Revolution with Rectangle Cells The innovative rectangular silicon cell (G12R) technology is applied to Trina Solar’s Vertex S 435W and Vertex 580W. This technology results in higher efficiency and power than similar products available in the market. Single-module power increases by up to 30W. The Vertex S 435W Module: DE09R.08 has a maximum power output of up to 435W and an efficiency of up to 21.8%. It measures 1762*1134*30mm and weighs 21.8kg. It comes with a 25-year performance warranty. The maximum degradation for the first year is only 2% whereas the maximum annual loss from years 2 through 25 is 0.55%. The open circuit voltage is 50.6V and the short circuit current is 10.86A. Being the most durable module in this range, the Vertex S – R series is benefiting from a 15-year product warranty which is an additional 3 years warranty compared to the conventional modules.

Trina’s Growing Presence in the Middle East The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is witnessing a significant boom in the renewable energy industry. The high temperature and radiation in the MEA region make it an ideal place for developing the PV industry. Trina Solar is committed to increasing its footprint and presence to cater to the rapidly growing demand for solar energy in the region.

Trina Solar’s 25-year-old solar heritage and industry knowledge make it uniquely positioned to meet the MEA region’s needs with its latest offerings. Trina Solar offers modules with the highest string power in the industry to reduce the BOS and LCOE of the projects in different applications. The products are designed keeping the customers’ needs in mind. They focus on providing high customer value while incorporating the most recent technologies.

For more information, please visit, www.trinasolar.com/en-mea/ Contact: ME@trinasolar.com Africa@trinasolar.com

The Vertex 580W Module: DE19R has a maximum power output of up to 580W and an efficiency of up to 21.5%. This particular module measures 2384*1134*35mm and weighs 29.6kg. This module’s open circuit voltage is 46V whereas the short circuit current is 16.11 A. These newest modules reduce LCOE and achieve higher levels of reliability for the distributed market, including residential rooftops and industrial and commercial scenarios worldwide. In fact, they can increase installation capacity on residential rooftops by 5–7% and are perfectly compatible with local mainstream inverters and mounting systems. This has made Trina Solar’s new modules superior to conventional P-type and N-type modules.

Middle East

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 29

COMPANY FEATURE

Hybrid Solutions: Combining Robotic Cleaning Technologies in One Solar Site As solar PV projects become more complex and parks expand, Developers need to find diverse and innovative ways to enhance scalability and profitability. While it is a given that to optimize

ECOPPIA'S T4 ROBOTIC SOLUTION FOR SINGLE-AXIS TRACKERS

O&M in large-scale solar sites, companies need to turn to automatic solutions, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for all sites when it comes to solar module cleaning. As terrain varies within large sites, many projects feature both short and long rows, north/south or east/west panel direction installations, and even a mix of both fixed-tilt and tracker installations in one site.

With field experience in 4 continents for almost a decade, Ecoppia understands that no site or client is alike in their needs.

Over the years, Ecoppia has developed a range of water-free robotic cleaning solutions that are each developed for different terrains and row layouts. Using technology that guarantees effective, reliable, and smart cleaning, Ecoppia helps solar sites maximize energy production while minimizing the O&M costs per

Ecoppia is the pioneer and world leader in

MW. Included in Ecoppia’s range of autonomous robotic cleaning

robotic cleaning solutions for PV, offering

solutions is the E4, suited for fixed-tilt panels, the lightweight T4,

a cloud-based platform and a suite of

which was designed specifically for trackers, and the H4 - the

advanced, fully autonomous robots cost-

latest solution which is ideal for long rows and uneven terrains

effectively maximizing the performance of

among its other features. With a range of solutions that focus on reliability and safety, Ecoppia can customize its offering for

utility-scale PV sites all over the world.

large-scale projects, providing different solutions for different sections of a single site.

Going beyond robotic solar cleaning solutions, Ecoppia also offers an AI solution that makes remote management easy and intuitive with a single interface featuring thorough performance analytics. Taking advantage of all the thousands of data points Ecoppia’s robots collect onsite, site managers can engage with the AI-powered platform to use predictive maintenance. This allows maintenance windows to be planned ahead of time, instead of reacting to breakdowns or faults after the fact, providing a cost-effective solution for services and general maintenance.

As an example of a hybrid project, recently Ecoppia announced a project with Azure Power, a leading renewable power producer in India with a portfolio of over 7 GWs. Ecoppia was able to customize the robotic solar cleaning solutions for the site by offering its full product suite, including the E4, T4 and

ECOPPIA'S H4 CLEANING ROBOTIC SOLUTION WITH HELIX TECHNOLOGY

H4 – each able to solve different challenges on the site. Thanks to the tailor-made offering, Azure Power has been able to access cost-effective solutions.

Middle East

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 30

As solar projects grow in complexity, site owners recognize that they need to adopt innovative approaches to automating O&M to help them stay ahead of the game. Being able to access multiple cleaning technologies in one site via customized hybrid offerings, is an effective way to address the challenges of cleaning diverse row layouts and panel direction installations, ensuring site owners continue to enjoy high levels of energy output in their solar projects.

About Ecoppia For nearly a decade, and with over 16GW of agreements, Ecoppia is the pioneer and world leader in robotic cleaning solutions for PV, offering a cloud-based platform and a suite of advanced, fully autonomous robots cost-effectively maximizing the performance of utility-scale PV sites all over the world.

Remotely managed and controlled, the Ecoppia platform allows solar sites to maintain peak performance with minimal costs and human intervention.

Ecoppia in numbers

+3000MW Deployed

+16,000MW Signed agreements

+30 large

Scale projects 4 continents

Over the years, Ecoppia has developed a range of water-free robotic cleaning solutions that are each developed for different terrains and row layouts. Using technology that guarantees effective, reliable, and smart cleaning, Ecoppia helps solar sites maximize energy production while minimizing the O&M costs per MW.

+6 billion Of panels cleaned

For more information, visit our website at www.ecoppia.com

Middle East

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 31

COMPANY FEATURE

LONGi once again sets a new world record for HJT solar cell efficiency

LONGi has announced a new world record conversion efficiency of 26.5% for its silicon heterojunction (HJT) photovoltaic cells. The new record,

LONGi, the world's leading

validated in testing carried out by the Institute for Solar Energy Research

solar technology company,

(ISFH) in Hamelin, Germany, was achieved on M6 (274.4cm2) full-size monocrystalline silicon wafers, marking a new breakthrough in efficiency

has achieved continual

for large-size monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells.

breakthroughs in PV

Through consistent technological innovation, LONGi, the world's leading

conversion efficiencies,

solar technology company, has achieved continual breakthroughs in PV conversion efficiencies, breaking the world record for HJT cell efficiency twice in one week in October 2021. The company continues to lead the industry, with its speed of innovation and high-efficiency photovoltaic products making a significant contribution to the global energy transition.

Middle East

breaking the world record for HJT cell efficiency twice in one week in October 2021.

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 32

PROJECT FEATURE

LONGi to supply solar panels to Masdar’s 230 MW Garadagh Solar Plant in Azerbaijan

LONGi and Masdar jointly held a signing ceremony on June 14th in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, for the supply of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules via Masdar’s wholly-owned affiliate Source Trading Company for the 230 megawatts (MW) Garadagh Solar Plant, the first utility-scale solar plant in

"LONGi and Masdar jointly held a signing ceremony on

Azerbaijan.

June 14th in Masdar City,

The Project is located nine kilometers northwest of the Alat

Abu Dhabi"

settlement and will help generate half a billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The total production would be enough to meet the needs of more than 110,000 houses, reduce emissions by more than 200,000 tons a year and create valuable jobs.

The signing ceremony was attended by Jia Chao, President of MEA&CA Region, Global Sales and Marketing Center of LONGi, Gonzalo Bonelo, Middle East Sales Director and Baggio Teng, Head of the New business team.

Jia Chao, President of MEA&CA Region, Global Sales and Marketing Center of LONGi, said: “LONGi is looking forward to working with Masdar not only in supporting Azerbaijan on its ambitious clean energy journey but also in exploring more opportunities to further strengthen the cooperation with Masdar in the Middle East and other geographies”.

Middle East

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 33

PRODUCT FEATURE

Introducing Ecoppia’s H4 Cleaning Robot with Helix Technology Challenges for solar sites O&M in the Middle East One of the biggest challenges for solar sites O&M in the Middle East is ensuring that modules are kept clean to maximize efficiency

and

energy production. The magnitude of the large sites with thousands of MW and long rows means that manual solutions are out of the question when it comes to optimizing energy production on this scale.

Overcoming

the

extreme

heat,

dust

storms

and

significant

accumulation of dust, which compounds the challenge, site managers must look at autonomous solutions if they want their sites to profit.

Solution Because of these unique complexities, Ecoppia has recently launched the H4 - an innovative waterless robotic cleaning solution made specifically to tackle these issues. With effective cleaning at the heart of H4, the latest Ecoppia technology features a helix design, which prevents heavy dust accumulation with the robot moving horizontally, while the microfiber dusters clean vertically, in a spiral-like motion.

This ensures that dust particles do not accumulate and instead, they are moved downwards and off the surface of the module altogether.

The robot has a Super Duster Mode, a turbo mode to deal with extreme soiling events. In addition, with its flexible configuration, the H4 provides an extended cleaning coverage area of up to 2KM, ideal for large-scale parks with rows stretching many kilometers.

What makes Ecoppia’s H4 Cleaning Robot your go-to cleaning device for solar modules?

Adaptable Bidirectional Cleaning Cloud-Based

Smart Sensors

Energy Independent

Waterless Robotic Cleaning Solution

Middle East

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 34

ECOPPIA'S H4 CLEANING ROBOTIC SOLUTION WITH HELIX TECHNOLOGY

With the highest rates of reliability and proven safety demonstrated from nearly a decade of operation in the Middle East and other locations, Ecoppia developed the H4 with safety and reliability at its core. To preserve the anti-reflective coating (ARC), the H4 features 3 layers of microfiber dusters, made of polyester and polyamide, proven to best protect the delicate coating. Catering to

The first H4 robots will be commercially deployed later this year for large-scale projects, complementing Ecoppia’s suite of robots - the T4 and E4. This opens O&M sites to tailor-made solutions for different projects and diversity of row layouts within the same project. Ecoppia operates with the knowledge that O&M sites are always looking to be further optimized and will continue to work on its offerings to help sites achieve this goal.

the Middle East’s extreme heat, the H4 typically runs at night and uses safe batteries that can withstand high temperatures and are also not flammable.

The H4 robot features another innovative feature adaptable bidirectional cleaning. This allows cleaning from either side of the row as needed, reducing the time wasted going back and forth to the base. A patented auto-switch

also

gives

flexibility

to

the

cleaning

sequence.

About Ecoppia For nearly a decade, and with over 16GW of agreements, Ecoppia is the pioneer and world leader in robotic cleaning solutions for PV, offering a cloud-based platform and a suite of advanced, fully autonomous robots cost-effectively maximizing the performance of utility-scale PV sites all over the world. Remotely managed and controlled, the Ecoppia platform allows solar sites to maintain peak performance with minimal costs and human intervention.

Beyond having robust physical capabilities, Ecoppia’s robots also utilize smart technology. Like all Ecoppia robots, the H4 is cloud-based and truly autonomous and

Ecoppia in numbers

can be remotely managed from any location. Equipped with smart sensors, the robots can collect millions of data points, giving site managers insights into what is happening on the ground. The data collected by the robots is analyzed on the cloud, providing advanced predictive

maintenance,

which

ensures

maintenance windows are planned well in advance.

Middle East

+3,000MW deployed +16,000MW signed agreements +30 large scale projects 4 continents +6 billion of panels cleaned

that

For more information, visit our website at www.ecoppia.com

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 35

OPINION

ONE PLANET, ONE PAIN The world today A European war has no signs and the timing of its end cannot be predicted,

in

addition

to

the

possibility of other wars coming on the horizon. Global interest rates

hike

global

inflation,

problems, and suffering in food security and energy, especially in the European continent, which threatens a harsh winter and a complete impact on production and industrial Sector, in addition to a crisis in clean drinking water that clearly threatens different parts of the world.

"The current situation in which the whole world is living proves that the world is one body, If one part of it complains or collapsed, The rest of the body responds to it with sleeplessness and fever."

This made the global program to combat climate change transformed from a program to combat what we may see as a future threat, to a current need for survival and the provision of decent livelihoods to humanity as a whole, and it is no longer a form of offering and solutions to show the well-being of nations and their level of progress & development.

Challenges in the energy sector: Industrialization and the centralization of manufacturing, lead to unacceptable control of the prices of the basic products of the sector and make them directly affected by the geopolitical conditions of the manufacturing countries, for example, what happened to the prices of solar cells, which were terrifyingly affected when a fire occurred at a silicon factory in China, as the price rose by up to 20% of the price that was at the beginning of the year, with notifying that the price has already increased in advance at the previous year 2021 by up to 30% due to the pandemic & war in Europe! Which causes high costs for developing green renewable energy projects?

Upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) Based on previous analyzes and the current global situation, the upcoming COP27 will turn out to be the most important session of the summit, as world leaders must lay the foundation stone for a new united world for the benefit of all humanity, and whoever will deviate from this movement for any reason will be isolated from the whole world and will be swimming upstream.

Middle East

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 36

Quick Solutions: Independent Power Production (IPPs)

The Optimal Solution (The African Grid)

The private sector (residential, commercial & industrial) must turn to

The African continent has a geographical distinction

independence in energy production (which is already happening) in

for excellent renewable energy production, in addition

many countries (especially in Europe), regardless of the current price

to

hike, the issue now is a matter of survival! And Europe is leading this

manufacturing. The global investment capital must be

movement with the support of the financing entities (IFIs) and the

directed to invest in Africa, so that the content to be

support of Governments. But this movement is still considered slow in

the main source of cheap sustainable energy for the

the Middle East and Africa due to the Zone's real needs & complexities

European continent through the marine electrical

of financing mechanisms by the local banks that provide facilities for

interconnection networks in the European continent

small developers! Despite this, there is a strong movement in the Middle

(whose agreements have already been signed for the

East for this transformation, and evidence of this is the number of

maritime grid linkage from the Egyptian electrical grid

acquisitions and mergers between medium-sized companies and large

to Cyprus and Greece, and from there to the rest of the

companies in the region.

European countries), In addition to the existing grid

inexhaustible

sources

of

raw

materials

for

connection from Morocco to Spain.

Actual Long Term Solutions (Utility Scale Projects)

But to secure and ensure the continuity of these plans, the whole World must work and support Africa, which contributes to settling the investment in Africa for the

Infrastructure projects and grid connections, this movement is the best example of what is happening in the Middle East, led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, and Morocco, and this movement is growing

benefit of the World. As the stability of Africa

distinctively because it receives the required support from sovereign funds to invest in the energy sector. For example: Signing energy agreements between Egyptian and Saudi companies, supported by Governmental leadership (June 2022) to

materials, and this will also support the current

guarantees the whole world finding solutions to the current global problems of energy, food, and raw centralization

of

manufacturing

and

provides

competitive prices for the implementation of all plans and solutions that will benefit the entire planet and

implement nearly 3 Gigawatts of wind and solar energy projects in Egypt. A coming agreements between Egyptian and UAE companies (expected during July/August 2022) to implement approximately 10 more Gigawatts of wind and solar energy projects in Egypt.

not a specific faction in itself!

Near completion of electrical grid interconnection lines between the countries of the Middle East Strong momentum in Saudi Arabia’s drive toward renewable and infrastructure with a targeted share of

the crisis we must unite, and investors and developers

▪

20 (GW) and 40 GW, respectively for solar photovoltaic (PV) The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 targets an energy mix that combines renewable, nuclear, and clean energy sources to meet the UAE’s economic requirements and environmental goals as follows: - 44 percent clean energy 1. 38 percent gas 2. 12 percent clean coal 3. 6 percent nuclear Morocco targets 80% renewable energy by 2050 with technological evolution in energy storage, green hydrogen, and decreasing energy costs, Morocco currently aims to increase the share of renewables in its total power capacity to 52% by 2030, 70% by 2040, and 80% by 2050

Middle East

Our view is not pessimistic, but it is a realistic view of what is happening now, and to get out of the heart of must get out of centralization to decentralization, and this is what we are striving for now actively and quickly.

AUTHOR: SHARIF ALHAJ Co-Founder & Global Business Director, iQ Power Inc., and Director, Global Business - The Integrated Engineering Laboratories Worldwide

May-June Issue 2022 | Pg 37

Celebration, Cheers, and Recognition For The Winners At SolarQuarter Business Meet Saudi Arabia Awards 2022

“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them...”

Business Meet MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 2022 RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

SolarQuarter is very proud to create this opportunity for the great achievers and leaders of the Saudi Arabia Solar Industry. The stage was set to honor and award some of the finest products, projects, technologies, leaders, and teams that have revolutionized the Solar Industry of the Country.

The Award Ceremony was graced by our Guests of Honor - Mr. Christof van Agt, Director, Energy Dialogue, International Energy Forum

Unveiling the proud winners: Honorary Awards:

Project Excellence Awards - Utility: GTeK Solar

For their outstanding contribution to the development of the solar energy sector in Saudi Arabia.

GTek has one of the most advanced production lines in Saudi Arabia. This company strives to provide one of the best solutions for sustainable solar electrical power. They specialize in Solar PV EPC projects and the manufacturing of highefficiency mono & polycrystalline solar modules. The company has jointly won the contract for a 400MW plant, located in Rabigh Industrial City.

Mr. Francois Ganneau, Managing Director, Safeer Mr. Sushant Arora, Co-founder, CleanMax Mr. Abdulqader Bafleh, Senior Sales EngineerPower & Solar, Alfanar

Business Excellence Awards: Market Leadership Awards- Modules: LONGi Solar LONGi Solar has become the 1st solar technology company to ship more than 30GW of modules in one year. It maintains a highly professional approach throughout the full lifecycle of module production. The company has recently won a contract to supply 406 MW of its bifacial modules for Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project as well as has been awarded a module supply contract for the 400 MegaWatt (DC) for the Rabigh Solar PV IPP project.

Project Excellence Awards - Agrivoltaic Project: Sun Capture Sun Capture is a pioneer in the Solar industry specializing in solar engineering, procurement, and construction mainly for Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Sectors across Saudi Arabia.

The winning project is situated in Ras Tanura City, in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia with a size of 77.8 KWp. The theme of the project is powering a sustainable and commercially viable vertical farm of 900 m2 with renewable energy sources, specifically solar Photovoltaic energy. The Energy derived from the solar PV plant will power the essential mechanism for operating a sustainable vertical farming plant.

Technology Innovation Awards - Modules: Trina Solar Trina’s downstream business includes solar PV project development, financing, design, construction, operations and management, and one-stop system integration solutions for customers. Through constant innovation, the company continues to push the PV industry forward by creating greater grid parity of PV power and popularizing renewable energy. Its new generation Vertex 210mm ultra power modules, N-type iTOPC are in large-scale mass production.

Individual Excellence Awards: Rising Star Awards - Ms.Dima Suleiman- Technical Sales Engineer, Wamest Solar.

Dima for the past 4 years has gained deep experience in working with PV solar projects as a design, technical support, and project engineer for various projects in KSA, Amman, and Dubai, which have granted her a valuable set of technical and sales skills with very good theoretical knowledge in the field.

As a technical sales engineer and at this early stage of implementing solar projects in the KSA market, she worked hard to increase the awareness of using solar green energy as a sustainable source of clean energy and integrate solutions that helped the clients and encouraged them to the use of solar energy.

To know more about our awards visit us at: https://solarquarter.com/studio/

Some Glimpes Of

AWARD CERMONY

Held At SolarQuarter Business Meet Middle East 2022

Upcoming EVENT

SOLAR ASSETS MIDDLE EAST 2022

INDUSTRY INISGHTS

Dubai - United Arab Emirates

NOV

04

REGISTER NOW

WHY ATTEND THE EVENT: Robotic Automation Asset Digitalisation Monitoring & Testing Aerial Technologies Financial Management Skilling & Human Resource Management Lifecycle Management

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