Renewable energy developer Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) has started construction of two solar plants in Jordan.
The plants, named Mafraq I and Mafraq II, are being built with an investment of $180m in the city of Mafraq. Each of the plants will have a capacity of 65MW.
Construction of the plants is expected to create 500 jobs. FRV is aiming to make the facilities operational by summer 2018.
Upon commissioning, the two solar plants would make up 2% of Jordan’s total energy generation capacity, enough to meet the power needs of over 80,000 households.
The solar facilities will also help in offsetting over 160,000 tons of CO2 per year.
A subsidiary of Saudi-based company Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, FRV was awarded the two projects during the second round of the Jordanian solar program.
While Mafraq I will supply energy at $0.07/kWh, Mafraq II will supply energy at $0.078/kWh, both of which are below the average electricity cost in the country.
After constructing the Mafraq I and II plants, FRV’s COO of The Middle East, Africa and Australia Tristán Higuero revealed the company’s plans to initiate construction of a third project in September in Jordan.
Higuero added: “We have recently submitted a bid for a 50 MW project tendered by the Water Authority of Jordan. This remarkable proposal shows FRV´s and Abdul Latif Jameel Energy’s commitment and continued effort to deliver green and affordable electricity to support Jordanian plans and improve people’s lives.”
Image: Stone laying ceremony of the Mafraq I and II solar plants. Photo: courtesy of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures.