Egypt’s 1.5 GW Benban solar plant begins partial operations
Scatec Solar is the largest contributor to the Benban site, delivering electricity from six power plants, totalling 400 MW
Norway-based Scatec Solar has grid connected and commenced commercial operations for 65 MW of its 400 MW Benban project in Egypt. Scatec Solar is the largest contributor to the 1.5 GW Benban site- the world’s largest solar park.
The Benban solar power plant is Scatec Solar’s largest project under construction as well. Scatec Solar along with its partners KLP Norfund and Africa 50 signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the Egyptian Government for six solar plants, equal to 400 MW.
Commenting on the progress of the power plants, Raymond Carlsen, CEO of Scatec Solar said: “We have been a pioneer in Egypt since 2013 and have worked closely with the Government to support implementation of large-scale solar to increase the country’s share of renewable energy. Grid connecting our first solar power plant marks a major milestone for us.”
“This [solar plant] is our first power plant with bi-facial solar panels, capturing the sun from both sides of the panels to increase the total clean energy generation,” he added.
Scatec Solar said in a statement that the estimated annual 870 GWh of electricity produced from its plants in Benban will eliminate 350,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. It is also capable of providing energy for more than 420,000 households in Egypt.
All six power plants are due for completion during the second half of 2019, the company added.
