Solar Boom Forecast for Saudi Arabia

As many anticipated, the Saudi Arabian solar market is a reality and will lead the MENA region for the next five to ten years.  We have seen many internal movements in the last few months which anticipate a solid and powerful market to focus on.  The increasing energy needs and job generation objectives will drive this development despite oil prices.  A great opportunity intended mainly for Saudi companies, leaving a door open for international players willing to bring value to the Kingdom and to stay. Read more in Renewable Energy Worldcontinue reading →

Sunshine Middle East and Solar Shams sign partnership

Sunshine Middle East, an expert European-Saudi engineering and consultancy firm specialized in solar PV, and Solar Shams, an Egyptian renewable energy consultancy firm specialized in project development, have entered into a joint partnership to deliver development support, consultancy and engineering services to developers, IPPs and EPC contractors in Egypt. The focus of the partnership is to complement years of experience working in the most competitive renewable markets in the world with the expertise in the Egyptian renewable sector.  The joint services will be addressed to both local and international companies present in the market or…continue reading →

MASDAR seeking for renewable energy investment opportunities in MENA

After having invested in renewable energies in Abu Dhabi, Spain and UK, Masdar´s CEO announces they are seeking for new opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa. As policies in the MENA countries shift to promote renewable energies and renewable energy targets grow, boosting investments in solar and wind power ventures, according to Masdar’s Chief Executive Ahmad Belhoul.  Full article    continue reading →

KSA – Yanbu plans a solar PV plant of 50MW

The Royal Commission of Yanbu and the President of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA CARE) have recently finalized a study on the current and future energy needs of Yanbu Industrial City.  The study concludes the use of renewable energies will be of interest for the city and also for the development of new business opportunities in the Kingdom.  The two parties have consolidated their relationship to accomplish a joint initiative which includes the construction and operation of a a 50MW solar PV plant to be built in the land provided…continue reading →

ACWA Power and Masdar plan to offer Egyptian authorities to establish 2 GW of renewable projects.

Egypt keeps calling the attention of local and  international IPPs.  Even though  non of the FIT projects have been yet started construction, the potential of the country is tremendous. This week, ACWA Power and Masdar announced they plan to make an official offer to the Ministry of Electricity next week to establish renewable energy projects with a capacity of 2,000 MW (1,500 MW in solar energy, and 500 MW wind energy).  More details in Daily News Egypt.continue reading →

DEWA calls for expression of interest for 800MW solar PV plant extension

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has released a new tender for the 800MW phase III of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.  The project is based on the IPP model.  DEWA has increased the share of renewable energy targets in Dubai's energy mix to 7% by 2020 and 15% by 2030. DEWA will start accepting Expression of Interest proposals from international developers by end of September 2015. The project's tender is expected to be released in Q4 of 2015.  See more details at DEWA websitecontinue reading →
Abdul Latif Jameel acquires Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV)

Abdul Latif Jameel acquires Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV)

lla_2015_04_08Dubai and Saudi Arabia-based Abdul Latif Jameel Energy has acquired Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), including its global 3.8 GW pipeline of PV projects.  This acquisition is a natural next step in its multi-year energy strategy and follows the successful joint venture partnership announced between the two companies in January 2014 and could not be the last one.  The acquisition is a key part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy and Environmental Services’ push into becoming a global independent power producer, with the company indicating that it intends to support the MENAT region´s adoption of renewable energy.  President Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel indicated that it may be the first of a number of acquisitions in the renewables sector.

The 100% acquisition includes FRV’s current solar PV pipeline of 3.8 GWdc, proven expertise in solar plant development and in particular its project financing, internal engineering capabilities, independence from technology and international footprint.  Abdul Latif Jameel Energy and Environmental Services brings increased access, know- how and its financial backing to the emerging solar PV markets of the MENAT region.  Full details (more…)

Egypt keeps up with solar PV

Egypt keeps up with solar PV

Egypt is becoming a relevant solar PV market in the MENA region.  The government is committed to deploy fast and efficient energy to cover the country needs.  Not only the solar and wind FIT programs have attracted numerous global renewable investors but a new deal with Terra Solar and Skypower proves the interest by adding 5GW of solar PV to the initial plans. Full details  Full detailscontinue reading →

ORTRAT Control enters the Saudi Arabian market

ORTRAT is expanding its international presence to the Middle East with special focus in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, market considered strategically of great potential and growth for its core activities. ORTRAT initiated its international expansion in 2010 and is already present in Italy, Peru, Chile and Mexico. ORTRAT is a technology leader in the sector of industry control and regulation. Since its foundation in 1.955, ORTRAT has applied its technology and experience to industry sectors where reliable data and control are essential.   ORTRAT designs, manufactures and implements systems for hydro-electrical plant control,…continue reading →

Tomaso Charlemont joins Sunshine Middle East as Partner

Tomaso Charlemont joins SUNSHINE MIDDLE EAST bringing 25 years of Business Development experience throughout the EMEA Region. After having spent 20 years in the field of data communication and networking infrastructure with US firms Belden and Ortronics (Legrand group), Tomaso decided to put his competences and experience to contribution to leading firms in the PV sector. Tomaso says: "not only I consider solar a great business opportunity, but I also see it as an ethical responsibility". He joined Satcon in 2008 and Chint Power Systems in 2012.  Two leading manufacturers of utility scale, commercial…continue reading →