In a major boost to Jordan's renewable energy sector, the government has officially commissioned the 105 MW Quweira Solar Power Plant, being funded by UAE-based Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).

In a major boost to Jordan's renewable energy sector, the government has officially commissioned the Quweira Solar Power Plant, being funded by UAE-based Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).

Senior officials of ADFD, a leading national entity for development aid, which provided Dh550 million ($150 million) worth of funding for the 105 MW renewable energy plant, today (April 26) attended the official commissioning of the plant.

The project involved the installation of 328,320 photovoltaic panels that are expected to produce 227 GWh of solar power annually over a period of 20 years, enough to illuminate about 50,000 homes, said   a statement from ADFD.

Located in the southern part of Jordan, the 105 MW renewable energy project was inaugurated by Hani Fawzi Al Mulki, Prime Minister of Jordan in the presence of Saleh Kharabsheh, Jordanian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Adel Al Hosani, Director of the Operations Department at ADFD, Mubarak Al Ketbi, Consul General at the UAE Embassy in Jordan and several senior Jordanian officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, the director general, said "ADFD's involvement in the Quweira Solar Power Plant project is in line with its active assistance to Jordan with which the UAE enjoys time-tested bilateral ties."

"Through financing several major development projects in Jordan, the Fund has ensured a positive impact on the lives of thousands of Jordanians and helped Jordan’s government to fulfil its socio-economic plans and development goals," he noted.

“In line with its focus on inclusive social and economic development across developing countries, ADFD has prioritised renewable energy as a catalyst for growth, enabling the provision of clean, reliable and affordable power that boosts incomes and enhances energy security,” added Al Suwaidi.
 
Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad N. Fakhoury praised the UAE and its leadership for the ongoing support to the Jordanian people and the country’s role in helping the Jordanian government achieve sustainable development.

The minister also lauded ADFD for its efforts in financing and managing development grants’, pointing out that its contribution has significantly increased the efficiency of the services provided to Jordanian citizens and advanced the economic development in the country.

Stressing the importance of the Quweira Solar Power Plant, Fakhoury said this strategic project marks a milestone in adopting renewable energy in Jordan, in line with the Jordanian government’s objective of generating 20 per cent of energy from renewables by early-2020.

The scope of work included the provision of electrical switches, a medium voltage and signal cable system, transformers and all required equipment to connect the plant to the national power grid, said the ADFD statement.

The support also covered civil construction works, roads and safety systems as well as overall project operation and management, it added.-TradeArabia News Service