Egyptian solar set to expand beyond the massive 1.8 GW Benban PV project
In this edition of the Weekend Read, we turn to Egypt. The gigawatt-scale Benban project showcases the North African country’s solar potential, and premium prices for gas exports make the case for a more diverse energy mix. A nation with grand renewables targets – but slow installation rates – may finally be weaning itself off fossil fuel resources.
EDF, KOWEPO to bid for 1.5 GW solar project in UAE
Korea Western Power Co. (KOWEPO) and EDF Renewables have signed a joint development agreement for a 1.5 GW solar farm in Khazna, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The partners are already in advanced discussions with Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Water and Electricity Co. (EWEC) for a project of the same size in the Al-Ajban region.
Masdar to roll out 1 GW of PV, wind in Azerbaijan
Masdar, the Abu Dhabi-based utility-scale PV project developer, has signed contracts to develop three solar and onshore wind projects in Azerbaijan, with a total capacity of 1 GW.
Indonesia’s largest floating solar plant to expand to 500 MW
Abu Dhabi-based Masdar and PLN Nusantara Power, an Indonesian state-owned electricity generator, have agreed to more than triple the size of the Cirata floating PV power plant in West Java so it can generate 500 MW.
Solar proves common thread among Zayed Sustainability Prize winners
The opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2023 was not short of inspirational rhetoric, but the winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize provided some real-world examples of what action on the local level really looks like.
UAE energy summit serves as a trial run for COP28
The United Arab Emirates is treating Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which includes the World Future Energy Summit, as a trial run before the nation hosts the COP28 climate talks in November.
Masdar to build Yemen’s first large-scale solar plant
Masdar has signed a joint cooperation agreement with Yemen’s Ministry of Electricity and Energy to build a 120 MW solar plant in Aden. It will be the country’s first large-scale renewable energy project.
Masdar switches on 5 MW solar plant in Seychelles
Masdar said it has started operating the 5 MW Ile de Romainville PV project in the Seychelles. The installation is backed by 3.3 MWh of storage capacity.
Turkmenistan to host first large scale solar plants
Turkmenistan’s state power corporation Turkmenenergo and United Arab Emirates Masdar and are currently developing a 100 MW solar plant in Turkmenistan. The new project follows the recent launch of a 10 MW hybrid wind-solar project and will help the country achieve the deployment of its first solar projects.
UK battery energy storage acquisitions heating up
About 550 MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS) deals have been signed in the United Kingdom over the past few days. Most recently, Masdar acquired London-based storage developer Arlington Energy.
