First Solar, a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems, has signed a power purchase agreement with Shams Ma’an Power Generation for a planned 52.5 megawatt solar power plant in Jordan.

The 20-year agreement was signed with the National Electric Power Company (Nepco), the regulatory authority for power generation and distribution in Jordan.

Shams Ma’an Power Generation – which counts First Solar as a shareholder - was established to pursue solar energy opportunities in the country.

In addition to supplying its advanced thin film PV solar modules, First Solar will also provide engineering, procurement and construction services beside operations and maintenance for the project.

“The Shams Ma’an solar power plant represents the future of Jordan’s energy independence. By bringing together industry-leading capabilities, international financing and advanced thin film technology that is ideally suited to local conditions, we will establish a regional benchmark for the independent production of power,” remarked its CEo Hanna Zaghloul.

“There is no doubt that adding PV capacity to the country’s energy generation portfolio, offers Jordan and its people a winning value proposition,” he added.  

The power plant - which will be the largest facility of its kind in Jordan, representing one per cent of the country’s overall generation capacity – will supply 160 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, sufficient to power over 35,000 average homes in the country.

The project, which is part of the ambitious Ma’an Development Area (MDA) initiative in southern Jordan, will generate an estimated 500 jobs during its construction.

Additionally, the plant will also help the country reduce its carbon footprint by displacing approximately 90,000 metric tons of CO2 per year, equivalent to removing about 20,000 cars from its roads.

Ahmed S. Nada, the VP of Business Development for First Solar in the Middle East, said the agreement marks a significant step towards fulfilling Jordan’s energy security goals.

"By efficiently harnessing the country’s most abundant energy resource, Shams Ma’an will help power sustainable growth and development with clean, affordable and reliable solar electricity," he added.-TradeArabia News Service