Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) has signed a deal with Qatar Railways Company to explore opportunities that may lead to the installation of up to 80 megawatts of solar technology within Qatar’s upcoming rail network.

 

The company is currently building a 150-megawatt solar module manufacturing facity and a 8,000-tonne polysilicon manufacturing plant in Qatar.

 

The first stage of the deal will look at installing ground and rooftop mounted solar PV installations on the proposed three million sq m rail depot facility that will be located near the new Sheikh Hamad International Airport.

 

Qatar Rail is aiming to build one of the world’s most energy efficient rail networks through the use of sustainable and energy efficient technologies with a goal to achieving a four-star Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) rating. 

 

Dr Khalid K Al Hajri, chairman and CEO of QSTec, said: “We are honoured to be involved with Qatar Rail through this very important partnership, which will aim to utilise QSTec’s solar solutions to meet some of Qatar Rail’s energy requirements. 

 

“We look forward to working closely with Qatar Rail to develop sustainable solar energy solutions that meet their requirements for quality, reliability and exceptional service.”

 

Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Turki Al-Subaie, managing director and chairman of the executive committee of Qatar Rail, said: “Qatar Rail places the environment-friendly methods at the heart of the executive strategy of all its projects. This comes after the company conducted an intensive study to assess the possible environmental impact of the railway network projects, in order to ensure the protection of any affected environment. 

 

“Solar Energy Development is one of the main green aspects of our project.  Our strategic partnership with QSTec helps us improve the ecofriendly feature of the rail network adopting ‘green building’ regulations, which consist of efficiently using energy and water, with reducing waste and environmental degradation.” - TradeArabia News Service