UAE Adds Solar Generation Value to Polysilicon Manufacturing

---

Written by Richard Finlayson, Senior International Editor for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking multi-pronged initiatives to develop its solar power capabilities in the manufacturing and power generation sectors.

Ahmed bin Saif al Mazrouy, the general manger of Majan Electricity Company (MJEC), one of Oman's largest power distribution companies, has proposed a 1,000-megawatt (MW) hybrid power scheme, which would include a concentrated, slower power plant in combination with other fuels, such as condensate and waste gas, from the oil industry, domestic waste as biomass and refined sweet coal.

Oman had 80% of its landmass exposed to solar rays in daylight hours; in the hours of darkness, low-quality hydrocarbons fROm the oil industry that are currently flared as part of oilfield operations could be used. Domestic landfill waste and suitably refined sweet coal also could be fuel options, the general manager said at the 2nd Oman Power & Water summit.

Haima is a suitable site for the hybrid project, between the oilfields of north and south Oman, and pipelines for condensate and waste gas. A new rail line would enable the supply of domestic waste and biomass, with boilers designed for specific fuel sources. Fly ash generated would be trapped and converted into fertilizer. An initial phase of 200 MW could be used to attract investors.

Dr. Khalid K al-Hajri, the chairman and chief executive officer of Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec), told Gulf Times that Qatar could eventually generate more than 6,500 MW of solar power if all the raw material produced at the $1 billion, high-quality, solar-grade polysilicon plant were converted into solar panels.

"If the initial annual production of 8,000 tons (mtpa) can give 1,200 MW when used to make solar modules, the plant's maximum capacity of 45,000 mtpa will generate over 6,500 MW," he said.

For related information see October 6, 2011 - Qatar's $1 Billion Solar Polysilicon Plant Supports Non-Hydrocarbon Diversification.

QSTec was launched in March 2010 as a joint venture between Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (70%), Solar World (Bonn, Germany) (29%) and Qatar Development Bank.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, and eight offices outside of North America, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle™, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities.