Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has commenced the operation of a solar-powered plant in Waad al-Shamal Mining City, located south of Turaif in the northern border region
Costing more than US$998mn, the plant has a total capacity of 1,390MW electricity, of which 50MW is set to come from a solar component, as reported by the Saudi Gazette.
According to the source, the plant is expected to support Saudi Arabia?s focus on developing renewable energy sector by creating jobs for local people. Furthermore, the plant is expected to support the country?s Vision 2030, to strengthen the economy by for implementing advanced electric projects.
Zyad Al Shiha, CEO of SEC, commented that the project was implemented in April 2014 with General Electric (GE) clinching the US$980mn deal for the engineering, construction and provision of gas turbine services for the plant.
In addition to the locally manufactured gas turbine, the plant will also have a significant contribution to the localisation of Saudi Arabia?s electricity sector, he added.
Speaking to the source, Al Shiha noted, ?The new plant adopts the integrated composite cycle system (ISCCP) and modern gas turbine techniques that reduce carbon emissions and nitrogen oxides to reduce environmental pollution, increase efficiency and produce 50MW through the concentrated solar power (CSP).?
