24MW solar photovoltaic project begins operations in Disi area

Minister of Water and Irrigation Muhammad Najjar announced the initiation of a landmark 24-megawatt solar photovoltaic project in the Disi area, designed to augment the Water Authority’s capacity. This initiative falls under the purview of the Planning and Management Department’s Energy Unit (EnU). A ministry statement released Tuesday elaborated on the successful completion of the BE reverse electrification process, undertaken in collaboration with the National Electric Power Company. Comprehensive assessments are currently underway, led by the independent engineering firm, TUV. This firm, endorsed by both the Water Authority and the National Electricity Company, aims to ascertain the readiness of the project for commercial deployment. SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese company, spearheads the project’s execution. Oversight is provided by a consortium, including the Egyptian-based Fernas Shoman Company and the German consultancy, Ramboll Company. Minister Najjar emphasized the project’s distinctiveness, stating, “This initiative represents a pioneering effort, marking the first solar energy venture of this magnitude within the water sector.” The Minister further provided insights, forecasting an impressive yield of 79 GWh in the project’s initial operational year. This optimistic projection is attributed to the integration of cutting-edge solar technologies, such as Bi-facial solar panels and Single-axis-tracker systems, tailored to optimize solar peak hours. Najjar extended his gratitude towards various stakeholders, notably the European Union, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Energy and Mineral Regulatory Authority, and the National Electricity Company, for their instrumental roles in actualizing this vision. Detailing the financial scaffolding, Najjar revealed that the project enjoys the backing of a 30 million euro grant from the European Union, managed through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). A segment of this grant is earmarked for an energy storage facility integrated into the national grid, alongside a supplementary 1-megawatt solar venture situated at the Zara Ma’in station. Najjar lauded the Planning and Administration Department alongside the Water Authority’s Energy Unit, recognizing their commitment to actualizing the water sector’s strategic ambitions. This initiative, he noted, aligns seamlessly with the goals delineated in the National Water Strategy 2023-2040, which targets a 10% uptick in renewable energy contributions by 2025. On a broader canvas, Najjar underscored the transformative potential of renewable projects, which bolster water service sustainability and alleviate the financial strain typified by electricity-related overheads. Beyond fiscal relief, the venture exemplifies sustainable and eco-conscious development, presenting solutions for greenhouse gas mitigation, local employment generation, and fostering a myriad of environmental, economic, and societal benefits.

Source: Jordan News Agency