ACWA Power and the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) in Jordan have announced that the 50MW Risha Solar PV Independent Power Plant (IPP) has commenced commercial operations as of 1 December 2019, after completing all the required commissioning and start-up tests
The power purchase agreement for Risha PV was initially signed by ACWA Power and NEPCO in 2017, setting the lowest tariff for renewable energy in Jordan. The Risha PV IPP was developed in line with the ambitions of the Government of Jordan to attract investment and ensure a 20 per cent contribution of renewable energy in the total energy mix of the country by 2020.
Thamer Al Sharhan, managing director of ACWA Power, said, ?The project will be managed and operated by distinguished local talent trained at highest industry standards of efficiency and professionalism. The Risha PV plant is a major addition to ACWA Power?s portfolio in the renewable energy sector. We look forward to expanding our investments in the energy sector in the Kingdom ? one of the most mature and developed markets in the field.?
The Risha PV plant is located in Risha Area, Mafraq Governorate (300km north-east of Amman). With a capacity to power approximately 12,000 households every year, it 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 tonnes of carbon dioxide for 20 years.
The Risha PV IPP was financed by a number of renowned international and regional financial entities including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Deutsche Investitions- Und Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh (DEG) and Arab Bank.
According to Amjad Rawashdeh, managing director of NEPCO, ?This project is estimated to generate around 115 GWh per annum and will pave Jordan?s future path for economic growth. NEPCO is keen to uphold its commitment of deploying renewable energy projects while sustaining the reliability and stability of our electrical system, which is one of the finest in the region.?
