Saudi-based Acwa Power said it has reached an agreement with Sterling and Wilson Solar, a unit of leading Indian construction group Shapoorji Pallonji and one of the largest solar EPC solutions providers, to start construction work on its 200 MW Kom Ombo solar plant in Egypt instead of Mahindra.

 

Acwa Power had originally agreed with Mahindra on the project, but the latter pulled out due its fear of working outside India as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues, reported Daily News Egypt.

 

Following this, the Saudi group held negotiations with Sterling and Wilson and two Chinese companies, but the Indian company was the preferred contractor, stated the report citing sources.

 

It has already worked with Acwa Power to implement projects in Morocco, with a capacity of 170 MW.

 

The contract for Kom Ombo solar power plant is due to be signed before the end of this month.

 

Located in the governorate of Aswan, the plant is already connected to the grid via a substation. The facility occupies an area of 500,000 sq metres and on completion will have a production capacity of 26 MWp.