The Oryx plant was among the first utility-scale projects granted permission by the Jordanian government under its new Renewable Energy Programme. The plant has been connected to an existing electricity sub-station controlled by state utility NEPCO, with whom Scatec Solar has signed a 20-year Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) in order to sell 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” said Raymond Carlsen, Scatec Solar's CEO. “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”.
Oryx is the first of three solar projects totalling 42 MW that Scatec Solar is building in Jordan. It will generate 25,000 MWh of electricity per year, serving the needs of about 5,000 households. The plant is located near Ma’an city, 230 kilometres south of the Jordanian capital of Amman. The area is fairly arid with scant vegetation. The plant occupies 36 hectares and about 100 local skilled and semi-skilled workers were employed during its construction which used state of the art technology, equipping the workers with the necessary skills for subsequent projects in the renewable energy sector.
The plant will displace 15,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year and will enable Jordan to harness its abundant solar resources to become more energy-independent, addressing power deficits, reducing pollution and saving costs by reducing liquid fuel imports.
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