Scatec Solar’s first solar plant in Jordan in commercial operation

Scatec Solar’s 10 MW Oryx solar plant in Jordan has now reached commercial operation (COD).Oryx was among the first utility scale projects granted permission by the Jordanian authorities to be built under the nation’s new Renewable Energy Program. The 10.4 MW photovoltaic plant is connected to an existing sub-station controlled by the state utility, NEPCO, with whom Scatec Solar has signed a 20 year Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) for selling the solar electricity generated by the plant.

“Oryx is a symbol of Scatec Solar working together with Jordanian partners to achieve results on the ground. With the commissioning of Oryx, we expand our international footprint into the Middle East and in the coming months, we will deepen our presence in the region,” says Raymond Carlsen, Scatec Solar’s CEO. Oryx is the first of three solar projects totalling 43 MW that Scatec Solar is building in Jordan.

Developed by Scatec Solar, owning 90% of the plant together with its local partner Quest Energy Investments, Oryx will produce 25,000 MWh of electricity per year, serving the needs of about 5,000 households. The plant is located near Ma’an city, 230 km south of the Jordanian capital, Amman.

Located in an arid area with scant vegetation, Oryx is built on 36 hectares, roughly the size of 67 football fields. About 100 local skilled and semi-skilled workers were employed during its construction. The technology used to build and operate this power facility is state of the art, thereby empowering and equipping local workers with the necessary skills to work hereafter in other projects in the renewable energy sector.

The clean energy produced by Oryx will avoid 15,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year. The project also enables sun-rich Jordan to harness its abundant solar resources to become more energy-independent, address power deficits, reduce pollution and save costs of imported liquid fuel for generating electricity.