"At this power plant we have combined two 159 mega watt gas power plants, and 132 steam power plant, and a 17 mega watt solar power plant", reported the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). "Implementation of this project places Iran among the few countries in the world that are designing and taking advantage of combined solar power plants in the world.", the Agency added.
The project started 10 years ago, when Iranian experts began working with German engineers on the way to develop solar technologies in the country. Indeed, most of the technology to be used was developed in Iran, according to the Agency. The desert area of Yazd was an obvious choice, due to its sunny conditions.
The plant was ordered by Iran Electricity Development Organization that signed a contract with Iran Power Plant Projects Management Company (MAPNA). The contract signed will last for five and a half years. The first phase is expected to be completed in 27 months, and the whole project should be finished in 2010. The total cost of the facility has been estimated at some 125 million euros.
This is definitely good news for the world. Many developing countries are sitting on areas of the world with great radiation levels. Often, investment risks are among the reasons that prevents solar energy from being developed in these countries. However, plants like Yazd can trigger additional solar projects, which would be good not only for developing countries but also for the global environment. The fact is that Iran alone could cover 3 times its energy needs with solar energy alone. Are other sources necessary in the country?
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