London-based Globeleq has acquired a 48.3% stake in the 25 MW Winnergy solar plant in Egypt’s Benban Solar complex. It will now cooperate on the management of assets and the operation of the facility with Egyptian manufacturer GILA Altawakol Electric.
The two countries have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a new subsea electricity line connecting their power systems. The power link, if built, could provide a route for African solar energy to reach European markets.
Sources connected to developers at the site confirm the figure has been agreed with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company but said it was still subject to change. The utility is seeking raised contributions from renewables companies to cover what it says were rises in building material costs.
The 30 MW plant was developed by a consortium led by Infinity Solar Energy SAE – an Egyptian developer operating in Africa and the Middle East – with Germay’s ib vogt, investment vehicle MMID and private equity firm BPE Partners.
The realization of Egypt’s 1.8 GW Benban solar complex has posed a long series of challenges to its numerous developers. The creation of the Benban Solar Developers Association (BSDA) has helped move the project forward amid initial grid constraints and several logistical issues, among others. Although only one of the 33 projects has now reached completion, all are set to be grid-connected by June 2019 – the final deadline set by the Egyptian government, according to Assem Korayem, a member of the BSDA and the operating general manager at Access-Power Egypt. In a conversation with pv magazine, he provides an extensive update on the current status of the huge PV complex.
The news comes after Suntech recently announced a separate 116 MW module supply deal, with both orders related to Egypt’s mega Benban complex
Italian developer Enerray is progressing three PV plants in Egypt’s Benban complex. The modules will be supplied by the Chinese manufacturer
The Spanish renewable energy company is building three solar facilities at the Benban complex in partnership with Saudi company, Swicorp. The installations will rely on solar modules provided by Chinese manufacturer, Astronergy and trackers from the Spanish provider, STI Norland.
Norwegian project developer Scatec Solar has announced financial close on six projects totaling 400 MW, to be built as part of the enormous 1.8 GW Benban Solar Park located in upper Egypt.
The Spanish company will build three PV plants in a 50/50 joint venture with Saudi developer Swicorp. The facilities will sell power to local utility EETC under a 25-year PPA.
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