Ausra's selection as the solar boiler provider was announced in Berlin during SolarPACES, the CSP industry's largest conference. The selection of Ausra as the solar steam system provider was made after a competitive tender offer and represents an important milestone in the development of JOAN1, which will also include a back-up fossil-fuel boiler to guarantee 24-hour dispatchable electric power.
"Ausra's robust and cost-effective solar boiler technology, its team of experienced power industry veterans, as well as its OEM business model make it the most suitable solar steam boiler company to provide equipment for this landmark project," said Samer Zureikat, Managing Director of Germany-based MENA Cleantech AG, the company behind the JOAN1 project.
Regarding the choice of Ma'an as the site for the world's first large-scale direct steam CSP plant, Zureikat noted that, "Jordan's modern investment laws and progressive regulatory climate coupled with its unparalleled solar resource make Ma'an one of the best locations in the world to build a Concentrating Solar Power plant."
JOAN1 will rely on Ausra's Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector technology to power the plant's solar steam cycle and generate up to 100 MW of electricity. JOAN1 will use dry cooling to conserve water. Ausra plans to install an advanced manufacturing facility in Jordan in order to supply JOAN1 with its solar steam boilers.
The project is scheduled for financial close in the fourth quarter of 2010, with construction beginning in early 2011.
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