Sungrow, the global leading inverter solution supplier for renewables, will supply 1500V SG250HX inverter solutions to the 500 MWac IBRI II project in Oman, which is one of the largest utility-scale PV plants in the Sultanate to date
This is in line with the company?s plan to supporting Oman's ambition of lifting the renewable energy mix by 10 per cent. The delivery of inverter solutions will commence in Q2 this year.
The IBRI II PV project is an Independent Power Project (IPP) to be developed on a build, own, operate (BOO) basis. The US$400mn project was funded on a debt to equity ratio of 70:30 and a consortium consisting of ACWA Power, Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) and the Alternative Energy Projects Company (AEPC) has achieved the financial closure of it recently.
The project is expected to come online in the summer of 2021, barring aside any potential COVID-19 related considerations. It will supply clean power to state-owned utility Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) under a 15-year contract. The plant can generate roughly 1,300 GWh annually, which is enough to power an estimated 33,000 homes and offset 340,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
The project is located in a desert around 300km west of Muscat with ample sunshine and abundant flat land. The system poses strict requirements on a minimized LCOE with cutting-edge PV technologies and the resilience to harsh conditions like high temperature and sand corrosion.
Sungrow's SG250HX, the world's most powerful 1500V string inverter, to be installed onsite is an ideal match to the project. The solution features 12 MPPTs with maximum efficiency of 99 per cent and enables flexible block design allowing for up to 6.75MW blocks. Compatible with bi-facial modules and tracking systems, the solution can significantly maximize ROI for a PV project.
The improved power line communication (PLC) will decrease installation cost without excessive communication wiring. Equipped with 24-hour Static Var Generator (SVG) function, the solution can provide an instantaneous and effective response to power quality problems, enabling improved power system stability, reduced energy losses and complying with most demanding local power quality standards and grid codes, saving approximately $1,143,000.
"The Oman IBRI II Solar PV is expected to play a strategic role in building Oman's renewable production capacity. We are delighted to partner with best-in-class entities such as Sungrow, that will support us in delivering long-term sustainable benefits for all our stakeholders through providing advanced, tailor-made solutions such as the SG250HX to our customers," commented Rajit Nanda, chief investment officer from ACWA Power.
