IThe Middle East and North Africa, renowned for its abundant sunlight resources, are witnessing an unprecedented boom in the photovoltaic (PV) market. Against the backdrop of global climate action and steadfast government support for renewable energy, Chinese companies are playing a pivotal role in the flourishing PV market in the region. In 2023, Chinese enterprises achieved remarkable success in various PV projects across the Middle East and North Africa.
- Leadership in Major Projects:
- Overview: Leading Chinese PV companies such as JinkoSolar, State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), and others have actively participated in the region’s PV market.
- Key Players: JinkoSolar, with its extensive experience in the Middle East PV market, and SPIC subsidiaries Zhejiang Thermal Power and Shandong Electric Power have secured contracts for PV projects in the Middle East and North Africa.
- Supply Chain Collaboration: Renowned Chinese PV equipment manufacturers, including Trina Solar, JA Solar, Longi Green Energy, GCL System Integration, and Risen Energy, have collaborated closely with project contractors, ensuring the supply of efficient and reliable PV components and inverters.
- Al Dhafra Solar PV Project – A Global Landmark:
- Project Overview: In November 2023, the Al Dhafra Solar PV project, the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, was completed in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Key Contributors: The project, with a capacity of 2 GW, was a collaborative effort between Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), EDF Renewables, Jinko Power, and UAE-based clean energy company Masdar.
- EPC Partner: China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) played a crucial role in the project’s design, procurement, and construction (EPC), contributing to the successful implementation of the ambitious initiative.
- Sustainable Impact: The Al Dhafra project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 2.4 million tons annually, making a significant contribution to the UAE’s clean energy goals.
- Sino-Saudi Collaboration: 400MW Tabarjal Solar Project:
- Agreement Details: In November 2023, JinkoSolar signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the 400MW Tabarjal Solar PV project with the Saudi Public Procurement Company (SPPC).
- Technology and Timeline: Utilizing high-efficiency bifacial solar modules, the project is set to commence construction in 2024 and aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy landscape.
- Strategic Significance: The Tabarjal project is part of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) and aligns with the country’s commitment to diversify its energy sources.
- China Energy Construction Group’s 2.6GW Al Shuaibah Solar PV Project:
- Project Overview: China Energy Construction Group and Sungrow Power Supply have undertaken the Al Shuaibah Solar PV project in Saudi Arabia, with a massive installed capacity of 2.6GW.
- EPC Responsibilities: Sungrow will provide inverters and other equipment, contributing to the stable operation and maximum output of the solar power system.
- Strategic Partnership: The project is a significant step in deepening collaboration between China and Saudi Arabia in the clean energy sector.
- Enel Green Power and China Electric Design to Boost Saad 2 Project in Saudi Arabia:
- Component Supplier: In December 2023, Enel Green Power signed an agreement to supply 1.25 GW of high-efficiency Panda N-type TOPCon PV modules for the Saad 2 PV project in Saudi Arabia.
- Project Development: China Electric Design, a subsidiary of China Energy Construction Group, is responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) of the project, showcasing China’s expertise in project development and operation.
- Financing Success for Shandong Electric Power’s 119MW Wadi Ad-Dawasir Solar Project in Saudi Arabia:
- Project Milestone: Shandong Electric Power’s Wadi Ad-Dawasir 119MW Solar PV project secured financing, marking a crucial step toward achieving renewable energy goals in Saudi Arabia.
- International Cooperation: The project, part of Saudi Arabia’s third National Renewable Energy Program, involves collaboration with French company TotalEnergies SE and Japanese Toyota Tsusho Corporation.
- China Electric Power Engineering’s 750MW Solar Project Approval in Iraq:
- Government Approval: In May 2023, the Iraqi government officially approved China Electric Power Engineering’s 750MW solar project in the southern province of Muthanna.
- Project Phases: The project will be implemented in two phases, with the first phase deploying 250MW of solar panels to inject new vitality into Iraq’s power system.
- Clean Energy Target: Iraq aims to achieve 5GW of solar power generation by 2023, with China Electric Power Engineering’s project playing a pivotal role in meeting this target.
- Sembcorp and JinkoSolar’s 500MW Manah Solar II IPP in Oman:
- Joint Venture Success: Singapore’s Sembcorp, in a joint venture with JinkoSolar, secured the 500MW Manah Solar II Independent Power Producer (IPP) project in Oman.
- Operation and Ownership: The Build, Own, Operate (BOO) model will be supported by a 20-year power purchase agreement with the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), injecting new vitality into Oman’s energy supply.
- Financial Backing: The project’s funding will be raised through internal cash resources and external bank loans, with a reported total investment value of approximately OMR 300 million.
Conclusion
The year 2023 marked a remarkable period for the PV market in the Middle East and North Africa, with Chinese enterprises actively contributing to the region’s energy transition. From project investments and EPC contracts to technology supply and collaboration, Chinese companies have demonstrated their mature and internationalized capabilities in the PV sector. Looking ahead, with sustained market demand, technological innovation, and policy support, Chinese PV enterprises are poised to further expand their presence in 2024 and beyond, making substantial contributions to global green energy transformation.