Jordan to open second solicitation for solar and wind projects

11 September 2013

Jordan will open a second round of solicitations for large-scale wind and solar projects with a deadline of September 30th, 2013 for expressions of interest, according to Clear Sky Advisors (Toronto).

Under the program, projects will be built on a build-own-operate basis, and developers will the sell electricity generated to national utility NEPCO through power purchase agreements (PPAs). The initial round of the program resulted in the pre-approval of 12 PV projects totaling 200 MW.

Low rates likely to preclude CSP

Unlike the first round of the program, the second solicitation will be limited to wind and solar projects. Rates for solar photovoltaic (PV) projects will be capped at USD 0.169/kWh and USD 0.135/kWh for other solar technologies, which will likely preclude the participation of concentrating solar power (CSP) projects.

300 MW of PV by the end of 2017

ClearSky maintains its prediction that the nation will install 300 MW of PV by the end of 2017.

“Although small when compared to other Middle Eastern nations, ClearSky Advisors is expecting modest growth in Jordan’s solar PV market, with a primary focus on the >1MW utility-scale sector,” states the company.

“Long-term growth opportunities will also present themselves as the country continues its focus on increasing both supply mix diversity and energy independence.”