Latest news with #solarPV
Zawya
28-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman eyes strategic share of global polysilicon market
MUSCAT: With the Sultanate of Oman just months away from commissioning its $1.6 billion polysilicon production facility in SOHAR Port and Freezone, Oman is set to rank second only to China as one of the world's largest producers of this strategic commodity — central to the global solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing industry. United Solar Polysilicon, slated for launch before the end of this year, will be the first polysilicon project in the Middle East. Once fully operational, the plant — designed with an annual production capacity of 100,000 tonnes — will position Oman as the second-largest producer globally, with an estimated 4.4 per cent share of worldwide capacity. 'The project aims to position Oman as a key player in the global photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing supply chain, reducing dependency on China-based production,' said the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), which has invested $156 million in the venture through Future Fund Oman (FFO), a platform that supports investments in strategic sectors of the Omani economy. China remains a polysilicon manufacturing powerhouse, accounting for around 93 per cent (equivalent to 2 million tonnes per year) of the world's total production capacity of 2.1 million tonnes. A distant second is Germany, with a 2.9-per cent share (65,000 tonnes), followed by the United States and Malaysia, each with 1.5 per cent (34,000 tonnes). In value terms, the global market was estimated at $34.3 billion as of end-2023. According to OIA, the decision to site the polysilicon project in Oman was based on several competitive advantages, foremost among them government support. 'A national negotiation team streamlined discussions, ensuring a smooth process for securing leases, utilities and incentives,' noted Oxford Business Group in an Impact Report on Future Fund Oman. Other factors influencing the investment decision included: Competitive electricity prices, crucial for maintaining profit margins; Proximity to SOHAR Port and Freezone, enabling efficient import of raw materials and export of finished products; Access to the US market via the Oman–US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), allowing tariff-free exports; and a favourable regulatory environment. In addition, the project grants Oman a strategic entry into the global solar renewables supply chain. Detailing the production process, the Impact Report explained: 'The solar PV manufacturing process begins with the production of high-purity polysilicon, which is then melted and shaped into cylindrical ingots. 'These ingots are sliced into thin wafers, forming the base for solar cells. The cells undergo various treatments to enhance their efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity. 'Finally, the cells are assembled into modules (solar panels) ready for installation in energy systems. This process is critical to the growth of renewable energy infrastructure worldwide.' Currently, around 4,000 contractual construction workers are engaged in building the sprawling complex, which spans 160,000 m² within the SOHAR Port and Freezone. During the operational phase, the plant will employ 1,000 to 2,000 staff, with Omanisation targeted at 70 per cent by 2030 through a combination of training and technology transfer programmes. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AMEA Power successfully commissions landmark battery energy storage system in Egypt, following successful financial close
Commissioning follows recent financial close, marking a major milestone in AMEA Power's growing energy storage portfolio Dubai, United Arab Emirates – AMEA Power, one of the fastest-growing renewable energy companies in the region, is pleased to announce the successful commissioning of Egypt's first-ever utility-scaled Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The 300 MWh facility, fully powered by solar PV energy, was delivered ahead of its scheduled commercial operation date (COD). This milestone follows the project's recent financial close, marking a significant step forward in AMEA Power's strategy to enhance energy security and grid stability in emerging markets. The battery storage facility is an extension of AMEA Power's operational 500MW Solar PV Plant in Aswan Governorate, Egypt, commissioned in December 2024. It remains the largest operational single-site solar PV plant in the country. This integrated solar-plus-storage development aligns with Egypt's 2035 Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy and reflects AMEA Power's ongoing commitment to accelerating the clean energy innovation and sustainability across the continent. 'We are proud to bring this landmark battery storage project online, strengthening the resilience of Egypt's electricity grid while supporting the country's renewable energy ambitions,' said Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power. 'This commissioning milestone reaffirms our long-term commitment to Egypt as a key partner in driving innovation and sustainability across Africa.' The commissioning of this BESS project marks AMEA Power's first utility-scale storage project in North Africa, reinforcing the company's capabilities in delivering large-scale, integrated renewable energy and storage solutions. The project was financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), highlighting the importance of strong strategic partnerships in advancing energy projects in Africa. About AMEA Power Headquartered in Dubai, AMEA Power is a developer, investor, owner and operator of renewable energy projects. As one of the fastest-growing renewable energy companies in the region, AMEA Power has assembled a world-class team of industry experts to deliver projects across Africa, the Middle East, and emerging Asia. With projects in 20 countries, a 6GW+ project pipeline, and 2,600MW+ in operation and under construction, the company is rapidly expanding its investments in wind, solar, energy storage, and green hydrogen, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the global energy transition.
Arabian Business
14-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Power Procurement Company to buy $8.3 billion worth clean energy
In one of the largest capacity globally signed for renewable energy projects in a single phase, Saudi Power Procurement Company has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for 15GW from seven new solar photovoltaic and wind projects at a total investment of over SAR 31 billion (US$8.3 billion). The agreements were made under the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), which is supervised by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Energy. In the presence of the Minister of Energy, the Saudi Power Procurement Company (Principal Buyer) signs Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 7 new solar PV and wind projects, with a total capacity of 15,000 MW. — وزارة الطاقة (@MoEnergy_Saudi) July 13, 2025 Saudi Arabia signs 15GW renewable energy deal The involved parties included ACWA Power as the main developer, in partnership with the Water and Electricity Holding Company (Badeel), which is owned by the Public Investment Fund, and Aramco Power, owned by Saudi Aramco. These agreements confirm the Kingdom's continued efforts in developing renewable energy infrastructure and achieving globally competitive costs of electricity production per kilowatt-hour. Photovoltaic solar projects include, the Bisha Project in Aseer region, with a capacity of 3,000MW and a levelised cost of energy (LCOE) of US$0.01289/kWh; and another 3,000MW from the Humaij Project in Madinah region with an LCOE of US$0.049/kWh. Khulis Project in Makkah region, Afif 1 Project in Riyadh region, and the Afif 2 Project in Riyadh Region will provide a capacity of 2,000MW with an LCOE ranging from US$0.051/kWh to US$0.0723/kWh. Wind energy projects include the Starah Project in Riyadh region, with a capacity of 2,000MW and an LCOE of US$0.0205/kWh, and the Shaqra Project, also in Riyadh region, with a capacity of 1,000 MW and an LCOE of US$0.0186/kWh. Saudi Power Procurement Company is responsible for preparing feasibility studies, tendering electricity generation projects, and signing power purchase agreements with developer consortia. To date, the company has launched renewable electricity generation projects with a total capacity of 43,213MW. Of these, power purchase agreements have been signed for projects with a total capacity of 38,713MW, while 10,213MW have already been connected to the grid. The capacity connected to the grid is expected to reach 12,713MW by the end of 2025, and 20,013MW by the end of 2026.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Cape Town to spend $3.9bln on energy projects
The City of Cape Town's energy focus will be on three projects: streetlighting enhancements, the multi-year refurbishment of the Steenbras power plant and the city's solar PV programme, as well as continued investment in own-build solar PV plants. The city's mayoral committee member for energy, Xanthea Limberg, outlines the way the energy directorate will spend R71.2bn over the next three years. 'Some of the investment will be in streetlighting, curbing energy theft and vandalism and focusing on load-shedding protection while investing in the growing energy needs of Cape Town. 'Our programme to upgrade and enhance the capacity of our Steenbras plant at an amount of more than R1.2 bn over the next three years is making significant progress, and we are also taking great strides in our solar PV programmes. 'This year, some R1.3bn capital expenditure has been set aside, including R75.5m on our street and public lighting programme. In line with our energy efficiency strategy, we are expanding our LED streetlight replacement programme with an R160m injection over the next three years. 'We have also set aside a total project amount of R183m for our pioneering small-scale embedded generation programme and some R57m to enhance the power output capabilities of the soon-to-be-completed Atlantis Solar plant with our first battery storage project. 'We are also investing in various critical infrastructure upgrades across the metro, such as Bellville, Grassy Park, Gugulethu, Oakdale, Melkbos, Paardevlei, Woodstock, Triangle and Monte Vista, among others. 'We are also looking at investments in the low-voltage depots in Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The city continues its investment in new metering infrastructure with some R100m in the 2025/26 financial year, topping more than R320m for the programme in total over three years. 'Over the next three years, we will continue to focus on energy security and diversification of electricity supply, protecting our electricity infrastructure and endorsing responsible tariff reforms, in alignment with the National Treasury's tariff reform programmes to realise our stated ambition of a future-fit, sustainable and resilient utility. 'The city is taking part in the treasury's tariff reform strategies, to ensure the sustainability of our services and that of our services are cost-reflective while giving customers more control over the usage components of the tariffs. 'We can already see some of these changes reflected in our budget and tariff structures, and we will see more of this in the years to come as all metros and utilities align their tariff structures with the proposed National Treasury reforms."
South China Morning Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
As China vows once again to tackle solar panel oversupply, will this time be different?
China has vowed to reduce excessive competition and oversupply in its solar photovoltaic (PV) industry, which is continuing to explore global markets. Industry and Information Technology Minister Li Lecheng told 14 representatives from solar PV manufacturers and industry associations on Thursday that the 'industry must be governed in accordance with laws and regulations, and disorderly low-price competition should be comprehensively addressed', the ministry said in a statement released after their meeting in Beijing. 'Companies should be guided to improve product quality, promote the orderly phase-out of outdated production capacity, and achieve healthy and sustainable development,' Li said. On Tuesday, at a meeting of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission, the country's top economic decision-making body, President Xi Jinping took aim at 'disorderly low-price competition' and ordered the removal of excess industrial capacity. At Thursday's meeting with Li, PV industry representatives talked about the difficulties they faced in production, innovation and competition, and offered suggestions for possible policy support, the ministry said. Li urged those present to have a 'comprehensive and objective view of the development landscape of the photovoltaic industry' to 'further consolidate and enhance' China's advantages in the industry.
