ACWA Power commences commercial operations at Jordan solar plant

Saudi-based utilities provider ACWA Power and the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) in Jordan officially announced today that the 50 megawatts (MW) Risha Solar PV Independent Power Plant (IPP) has commenced commercial operations, after completing all the required commissioning and start-up tests.

“The project is estimated to generate around 115 gigawatts per hour (GWh) per annum and will pave Jordan’s future path for economic growth,” Amjad Rawashdeh, managing director of NEPCO, said.

Through utilizing existing infrastructure, NEPCO was able to reduce the overall costs of the project and increase its efficiency.

“Moreover, this project benefits the adjacent local communities by creating jobs, and contracting services from local companies,” Rawashdeh said.

The Risha PV IPP was financed by a number of international and regional financial entities, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Deutsche Investitions- Und Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh (DEG), and Arab Bank.

“The project will be managed and operated by local talent trained at highest industry standards. We look forward to expanding our investments in the energy sector in Saudi Arabia,” Eng. Thamer Al Sharhan, managing director of ACWA Power, said.

With a capacity to power approximately 12,000 households every year, the Risha PV IPP will support the country in increasing its renewable energy capacity and reducing its reliance on costly hydrocarbon imports, in addition to saving 1.5 million tons of carbon dioxide over 20 years.