Jan 19 2009
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), the world's leading manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules, today announced it has supplied 5MW of Suntech solar panels for a 10MW solar electricity system to power Masdar City, the world's first carbon neutral city being built in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The panels will form part of the largest solar plant in the Middle East and is being built and designed by leading Abu Dhabi based solar power system integrator, Enviromena Power Systems "Enviromena".
"We are delighted to collaborate with Masdar, a wholly owned company of the government of Abu Dhabi through the Mubadala Development Company, and Enviromena on the development of this landmark solar project in the Middle East," said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO. "Masdar City is a revolutionary concept that will greatly influence the future of global urban development. Solar energy systems are the ideal solution for Masdar City as electricity generated will coincide with peak energy usage during the middle of the day. We look forward to working with Enviromena on this and future solar projects in the Middle East." Dr. Shi emphasized, "This 10MW system is expected to generate over 17 million kilowatt-hours per year and reduce carbon emissions by over 15,000 metric tons annually."
With a total investment of approximately $15 billion, Masdar City will take eight years to build and be home to 50,000 people and 1,500 businesses. The city, which will cover 6.5 square kilometers, will be primarily powered by solar energy and employ a broad range of innovative energy efficient technologies including electric travel pods, waste and water recycling, natural ventilation and shading. Masdar City's 10MW solar farm will provide power for the construction and eventual operations of parts of Masdar City.
"Enviromena is excited to be working with Suntech on this ground breaking project for alternative energy in the region. With growing recognition of the need for alternative energy solutions in the Middle East there is sure to be strong demand for solar projects, an exciting prospect for the industry to look forward to," Enviromena CEO & President Sami Khoreibi commented. "Enviromena has worked hard to secure a team of highly talented engineers and project managers from around the world and when choosing partners like Suntech, we ensure that clients are provided with high quality, low maintenance clean energy solutions to their power needs and we are excited to see this technology implemented on a wider scale."