First Solar, a leading manufacturer of solar energy solutions, has set up its regional office at Enpark, a free zone business park dedicated to the development of the UAE’s environmental and sustainable energy industries in Dubai.

Founded in 1999 and listed in the US, First Solar is a global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic solar systems which use 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.

Environment and Energy Park (Enpark), one of Tecom Investments’ 10 business parks in Dubai, today awarded its flagship trade licence to First Solar.

The announcement was made at the 'Solar Middle East 2013,' the region’s first-ever gathering of solar technology suppliers, which opened today at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Enpark is the event’s strategic partner and it is co-located with the Middle East Electricity Exhibition, the world's leading energy event focused on the power and water sectors.

The first phase of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, a 13MW solar PV power plant is currently under construction for Dewa. It is the first installation being built by First Solar in the region at present.

Additionally, the company is also supplying Masdar with half of the 10MW solar panels for the carbon-neutral Masdar City.

Commenting on the ME launch, Enpark director Saeed Bin Ghubash said: "We take real pride in welcoming a major player like First Solar as one of Enpark’s business partners. The company clearly recognises the potential of the market in Dubai and the wider region and we are thrilled to be helping provide a base for their operations."

“Diversification of the world’s power generation sources is an absolute vital. However, we need innovation to accelerate the renewable energy generation. First Solar remains at the forefront of driving innovation,” he added.
 
Ahmed Nada, the VP of Business Development for the Middle East, First Solar said, “The Middle East is expected to be a major engine for the growth of solar energy in the years to come. Utility-scale photovoltaic solar systems are economical, highly efficient and reliable sources of alternative energy."

"Our advanced thin film technology yields superior energy output in real-world conditions in hot-climate desert areas, low-cost volume production benefits, and superior environmental performance. We are excited to be able to directly address and provide part of the solution to the growing energy demand in the Middle East region," he noted.

First Solar, he said, was also honoured to have been selected for the execution of the first project at Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Solar Park.

“With its first-class technical and community infrastructure and important collaborations with other industry players, regulators and government, Enpark is a key destination for us to further strengthen our reach in the ME market," said Nada.

"We have decided to move the center for our regional operations for Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA) to Dubai,” Nada added.

First Solar is also planning to set up a second operational center in Saudi Arabia.-TradeArabia News Service