Saving fuel and reducing CO2 emissions
The 81 hectare solar PV unit will produce an estimated first-year energy output of 87 GWh. Assuming heavy fuel oil is used, and that the engines will continue to be used for peaking operation, solar energy will replace 125 000 barrels of oil per year. In terms of CO2 emissions, the reduction represents 58 000 tons per year.
Unlike many of its neighbours, Jordan does not have oil or gas resources of its own, making the country completely dependent on imported fuels. This makes alternative power sources especially valuable. Indeed, Jordan has ambitious goals for renewable energy: 600 MW of solar and 1200 MW of wind energy are planned to be installed by 2020.
Turn-key is key
Wärtsilä delivered the IPP4 engine plant with a full EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) scope. The same will apply to the 46 MW solar PV extension. EPC service is a one-stop-shop format for the customer, and it means dealing with only one supplier instead of several, making the project simpler and with reduced risks.
Wärtsilä’s EPC contracts cover project management, site management and supervision, engineering, materials and equipment, civil works, foundation and site infrastructure works, transport, installation and commissioning, as well as schedule and performance guarantees for the PV Solar plant. With solar projects, the equipment includes solar PV panels, inverters, switchgear, control systems and overhead lines. Solar hybrid projects include the connections to the electricity system of the engine unit, and the technology for the synchronisation of the solar and engine units.
“Wärtsilä has a reputation for quality, and we know from our experience that Wärtsilä can deliver very complex EPC projects. Our IPP4 engine plant was one such project. We fully trust Wärtsilä’s EPC capability, and appreciate the excellent relationship with our partner,” Rahman says.