The power plant -- which will be the largest facility of its kind in Jordan, representing one per cent of the country's overall generation capacity -- will supply 160 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, sufficient to power over 35,000 average homes in the country. The project, which is part of the ambitious Ma'an Development Area (MDA) initiative in southern Jordan, is expected to generate around 500 jobs during its construction. Additionally, the plant will also help the country reduce its carbon footprint by displacing approximately 90,000 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) per year, equivalent to removing about 20,000 cars from its roads.
The PPA was signed with the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO), the country's regulatory authority for power generation and distribution, and is valid for 20 years.
Shams Ma'an Power Generation PSC - which counts First Solar GmbH as a shareholder - was established to pursue solar energy opportunities in the country. In addition to supplying its advanced thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, First Solar will also provide Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services for the project.
"The Shams Ma'an solar power plant represents the future of Jordan's energy independence," said Hanna Zaghloul, CEO of Shams Ma'an. "By bringing together industry-leading capabilities, international financing and advanced thin film technology that is ideally suited to local conditions, we will establish a regional benchmark for the independent production of power."
Ahmed S. Nada, vice president of business development for First Solar in the Middle East, said the agreement marks a significant step towards fulfilling Jordan's energy security goals. By efficiently harnessing the country's most abundant energy resource, Shams Ma'an will help power sustainable growth and development with clean, affordable and reliable solar electricity."