Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and Showa Shell Sekiyu have signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of a 500kW solar power plant using Solar Frontier’s CIS technology. The plant, to be built on Farasan Island, will be the first of its kind in the Kingdom that is remotely installed and grid connected. It will displace 28,000 barrels of diesel during its life span, reducing the cost of diesel transport and handling while protecting the natural reserves of the island. The site is located at the Farasan Diesel Power Generation Plant of Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). The project has the support of the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Technology, and Industry (METI). Scheduled to come on line in July 2011, the annual output of the Farasan plant is estimated at 864,000kWh and SEC will be responsible for operation and maintenance, while Solar Frontier will provide continuous technical support through its Saudi Arabia Office.
