ALJ Energy finalizes deal for Jordan solar projects
Abdul Latif Jameel Energy has recently announced it is one-step closer to powering 80,000 homes in Jordan with clean energy, as part of its commitment to being the leading solar development company in the Middle East.
The announcement coincided with the visit of King Salman to Jordan.
Omar Al- Madhi, CEO of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, Saudi Arabia, said: “Our projects around the region, including in Jordan, clearly exhibit the great potential for solar in the Middle East.
“The electricity we are producing in Jordan is being generated at low cost — less than the average price of electricity in the country. It is financially viable, as well as having a positive impact on the environment. Upon project completion, nearly 80,000 homes would be powered in the country. Such projects provide proof that solar can be the sustainable energy source for the region, including in Abdul Latif Jameel’s home market of Saudi Arabia.”
He added: “With their development we can contribute to the generation of clean and affordable energy, fostering the region’s sustainable growth. That is why we remain committed to being the leading solar development company in the Middle East and beyond.”
As proof of the progress being made in developing clean energy, FRV, which is part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, has announced the financial close of two of the largest solar PV projects in Jordan.
The solar plants — Mafraq I and Mafraq II — represent a combined investment of approximately $180 million and will start construction shortly in the region of Mafraq. Once completed, they will generate 133.4 MW DC in total — approximately two percent of Jordan’s total generation capacity and enough to supply more than 80,000 households. Each project will avoid the emission of over 80,000 tons of CO2 per year, equivalent to removing 17,000 cars from the country’s highways.
The projects will create an estimated 500 jobs during their construction phase and are expected to begin operations in June 2018.
As part of its commitment to the social and economic development of the communities where it operates, FRV together with IFC, EBRD and PROPARCO, has signed two scholarship agreements with IE University related to these projects. The scholarships, called Young Talented Leaders, are intended to cover the training and accommodation expenses of two Jordanian students for the completion of bachelor’s degree courses at IE University in Madrid.