A brand-new 300 MW solar PV module production plant was recently officially opened in the Doha industrial zone in Qatar.
Developed by the first vertically integrated PV manufacturer in the MENA region — Qatar Solar Energy — with the help of a variety of other PV equipment suppliers, the plant represents an important step towards the country’s renewable energy goals, as per Qatar National Vision 2030.
Qatar solar module manufacturing
The CEO of Qatar Solar Energy, Salim Abbassi, noted: “Qatar Solar Energy is dedicated to democratizing sustainable energy by delivering environmentally responsible solutions to the world’s pressing energy challenges. By lowering the cost, our technology will empower individuals and businesses with affordable electricity in developed and emerging markets. This is a significant milestone for Qatar and proves that the region can be on the leading edge of an industry that will secure sustainable energy for future generations.”
Supply agreements have apparently already been secured, with 150 MW of production capacity slated for the Japanese market, and 150 MW for the Thailand market. Not much is known about these agreements other than that at this time, though.
According to company officials, current plans are to eventually expand production at the new plant up to 2.5 GW.
Along with that, the company is also working — via its research arm, the Al Jazari Center for Excellence — to further improve its development, manufacturing, and deployment processes.
In related news, Qatar also recently became home to a new pilot facility of the Sahara Forest Project.
For those that don’t know, the Sahara Forest Project is an attempt to create an all-in-one integrated solution to provide energy, freshwater, and food. The concept works via the use of solar energy to drive freshwater distillation used in a cleverly designed greenhouse concept.
This has all been going quite well in Qatar apparently, with the project reporting that its “greenhouses are competitive with European yields, while using half the water of conventional greenhouses in the region.”
Those interested can find out more at the project’s website.