Conergy Asia-Pacific (a regional subsidiary of Hamburg-based Conergy AG) has been awarded a contract for a two-megawatt solar power plant for Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The project will be executed in collaboration with Saudi-based National Solar Systems (NSS), a leading solar systems integrator in the Kingdom. Under the agreement, Conergy will manage the design and components supply, while installation and operational management are implemented by NSS. The power plant features premium components, combining high-efficiency solar modules from Sunpower Corporation with Conergy proprietary mounting systems and power electronics. Located in Thuwal north of Jeddah, the landmark project is managed by Saudi Aramco on behalf of the Saudi government. Saudi Oger is managing the photovoltaic portion of the KAUST project. The scope of work consists of two rooftop solar plants with an output of 1-megawatt each, to be installed on the North and South Laboratories of the university. The photovoltaic plant, valued at 11.3 million euros, is also the first large-scale solar project of its kind in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It will occupy 11,577 square meters of roof space and produce 3,332 megawatt hours of clean energy annually, while also saving up to 1,666 tons of yearly carbon emissions. This equates to carbon offsets for approximately 11,758 million kilometers of air travel. “With its arid climate and vast desert landmass, Saudi Arabia is geographically optimal for harnessing solar power,” said Florent Abadie, director, Development and Technology Asia
