First Solar to Build 13MW Solar Power Plant for Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
First Solar to Build 13MW Solar Power Plant for Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
Project is Phase One in UAE's Planned 1GW Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates & TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Solar, Inc. (NAS: FSLR) today announced it has been selected by the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) to construct a 13 megawatt (MWDC) solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Seih Al Dahal, approximately 50 kilometers south of Dubai. Under the terms of the agreement, First Solar will provide engineering, procurement and construction services, as well as its advanced thin-film PV modules.
The 13MW solar PV power plant is the first phase of the landmark Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, named after the leader of the Emirate of Dubai, an AED 12 billion project that is expected to eventually cover 48 square kilometers and produce 1,000MW of clean energy for the nation's capital using both PV and solar thermal technology.
"The PV plant installation is a key step in the implementation of the energy diversification strategy adopted by the Supreme Council of Energy, in which solar energy is set to become part of Dubai's energy portfolio. The strategy is based on Dubai's growing energy requirements and aims to maintain security of supply in the Emirate of Dubai," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
"We are delighted that DEWA has chosen First Solar to build the first phase of this flagship project, which illustrates our strategy to provide comprehensive solar power plant solutions in sustainable markets," said Jim Hughes, CEO of First Solar. "We commend His Highness for his vision in promoting a path toward a sustainable future for Dubai that preserves natural resources, reduces pollution and serves the Emirate's rapidly growing power needs."
The 13MW power plant is expected to generate more than 22 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, on average, enough to meet the average annual electricity needs of more than 500 local households. Electricity generated by the power plant on average will displace more than 14,000 metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing 1,600 cars from the road every year.
The solar park is to be implemented by Dubai's Supreme Council of Energy (SCE) and managed and operated by DEWA, the state-owned power company, as part of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030.
First Solar recently opened an office in Dubai and is in an advanced stage of establishing an office in Saudi Arabia as well.
About First Solar
First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced thin-film modules. The company's integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module collection and recycling, First Solar's renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com.
For First Solar Investors
This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks associated with the company's business involving the company's products, their development and distribution, economic and competitive factors and the company's key strategic relationships and other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.
ASDA'A Burson Marsteller for First Solar in Dubai
Maha Khogali
+971 (4) 4507600
M.Khogali@asdaa.com
or
First Solar
Brandon Mitchener
+32 (2) 233-1113
media@firstsolar.com
Ted Meyer
+1 (602) 427-3318
media@firstsolar.com
Alan Bernheimer
+1 (510) 625-7447
media@firstsolar.com
or
First Solar Investors
David Brady
+1 (602) 414-9315
dbrady@firstsolar.com
Ryan Ferguson
+1 (602) 414-9315
rferguson@firstsolar.com
Ora Crossley
+1 (602) 414-9315
OCrossley@firstsolar.com
KEYWORDS: United Arab Emirates United States North America Arizona Middle East
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