INSIGHTS
February 2017
round-up of regional developments
Welcome to our February edition of MESIA Insights.

I would like to congratulate all our nominees and winners of the 2017 MESIA Solar Awards held recently in Abu Dhabi. With thanks to our sponsors, a great evening was held in the tradition of previous award events celebrating the individuals and companies making significant contributions to the advancement of our industry. 2017 has kicked off with a very successful WFES, highlighting the very optimistic views of all the attendees and participants in one of the world’s largest renewables and associated technology shows.

This year promises to build further on the successes of 2016 and as industry participants and contributors we should all continue to spread the word of the solid investment potential of both solar technology and its associated financing. This year will continue to see our MESIA Board and members contributing actively to growth of solar in the region with many events, technical discussions and trade missions in the planning. I would like to thank my fellow board members and our MESIA staff for their active participation and contribution to making MESIA the widely recognised and respected regional industry body that it is.

I look forward to the publication of our 2017 Solar Outlook report coming out shortly and thank our General Secretary, Wim Alen of ENGIE for taking on the daunting task of compiling this important and widely circulated reference document.

All the best for 2017 and I look forward to catching up with you, our members, at our upcoming events.

 

 

James Stewart
Vice-President

 

Congratulations to all the winners!

In the welcoming setting of the Aloft Hotel in Abu Dhabi and in partnership with the World Future Energy Summit, the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) unveiled the winners of the 2017 Middle East Solar Awards during a gala ceremony on January 18, 2017. In total, there were nine trophies that were being contested across several sectors.

Meet the winners

 

The Networking Reception was a great opportunity to meet all the actor of the solar industry coming from the region but from around the World at the occasion of the World Future Energy Summit. This annual gala ceremony, was attended by over 250 dignitaries, government officials and senior business executives.

See the pictures

 

The awards selection was conducted by a panel of 7 judges from around the world. They reviewed and evaluated around 60 applications coming from all over the 5 continents. MESIA would like to thanks them for their time and accurate evaluation.

Meet the jury

SolarPV.TV Exclusive Reportage: MESIA Solar Awards 2017 on the occasion of WFES 2017 in Abu Dhabi

Watch the video

A big thank you again to our dedicated sponsors. Their help was crucial to make this Awards Ceremony a great success!

MESIA during the WFES – Solar Expo
WFES Lunch briefing: listen to a veteran in the solar industry

Nextracker and MESIA organized a special lunch briefing on the side of the WFES. We welcomed Mr. Dan Shugar, a 30 year veteran in the solar industry, for a special briefing on the latest solar technologies for all size power plants. From his leadership at PowerLight, Sunpower, Solaria Corporation, and now NEXTracker, Mr Shugar has led the development of some of the world's first utility scale solar power plants in Europe, U.S., and Latin America.

Mr. Dan Shugar bio
See the pictures

Outlook Presentation on 2017 solar industry in the Middle East

Renewable energy prices have fallen rapidly in the past few years, with the UAE and Morocco each at times having the lowest tariff prices in the world for planned photovoltaic and CSP solar schemes. This section of WFES presented by Wim Alen, Secretary General, MESIA, outlined some of the upcoming projects, and started with a forward-looking regional overview from the Middle East Solar Industry Association on planned solar projects.

Presentation by Wim Alen, Secretary General, MESIA (MESIA WFES Middle East Solar Projects Overview)

See the pictures

MESIA & ARE signed a partnership

MESIA and ARE (Alliance for Rural Electrification) signed a memorandum of understanding for a strategic cooperation between the two associations. The strategic cooperation will further each party's goals within the region's solar energy markets. MESIA and ARE will support each other to further promote the clean electricity generation in the MENA and emerging countries. Together we will help close the gap between private sector and institutions, governments/agencies and NGOs/civil society. From left to right:

  • Wim Alen, MESIA Secretary General
  • Anthony Ighodaro, ARE Board member
  • Karel DeWinter, MESIA International development Director

MESIA at the Kick-Off Gala Celebration of SolarFUTURE.today, the World Solar & CleanTech Influencers Forum

MESIA was one of the key partners of Kick-Off Gala Celebration of SolarFUTURE.today, the World Solar & CleanTech Influencers Forum held on 17 January 2017 in Fairmont Bar Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi on the occasion of the World Future Energy Forum 2017. The event brought together Middle East solar and cleantech industries as well as notable policy-makers, personalities, business leaders and investors with its international peers.

Watch Video | See pictures

MESIA IN THE NEWS

MESIA solar awards winners announced at WFES

19 January
Innovation has really been the key to the success and the growth of the solar industry. It underpins all of the technology that is needed for the successful transition to a clean energy economy, which is why it is important that it is celebrated every once and while; something that MESIA aimed to do during their awards ceremony last night.

Read more

MESIA release winners of the 2017 Solar Awards

22 January
Hosted at the Aloft hotel in Abu Dhabi, MESIA unveiled the winners of the 2017 Middle East Solar Awards on 18 January, with nine trophies being contested for. Dr Imen Gherboudj, Senior Research Scientist at the Research Center for Renewable Energy Mapping and Assessment, won the accolade for Woman of the Year for her work on the impact of dust on solar irradiance attenuation and soiling losses on PV panels.

Read more

MENA Solar Markets Webinar

Whether you were at WFES or not, these solar experts shared the commercial opportunities ahead for 2017 and beyond. From the established markets of Morocco, to the developing markets of Saudi Arabia, to the 'untapped markets' of Yemen - We have it all. Speakers included Wim Alen, Senior Vice President Business Development, ENGIE and VP, MESIA.
In a nutshell:

  • Review the commercial hot spots for 2017 – as well as MENA’s greatest case studies
  • CSP discussion: Can CSP developers reach DEWA's expectations of 8 cents per kWh?
  • Focus on Saudi Arabia: Assess the economic transformation Getting projects financed and off the ground.

Listen to the webinar

MIDDLE EAST ROOFTOP SOLAR SNAPSHOT 2017
As we enter 2017, we can’t fail but to notice increasing trends in the implementation of rooftop solar energy schemes in the Middle East. More and more warehouse/industrial hangar operators and owners in Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai for example are tendering out either EPC or leasing projects to bene t from the Shams Dubai net-metering initiative. Well done to Red Tag FZE, Al Naboodah, and Aramex FZE (among others) for their momentum in embracing green energy.

Read the report

MESIA MEMBERS ONLY
Membership Payments effective January 2017
Please note MESIA new policy concerning membership payments (new or renewals).

As of January 2017 pending payments on membership extending more than 3 months will see the membership suspended. This will include suspension of the website directory as well as all mailing lists.

You collaboration in this regard is highly appreciated.

For more information please contact: paulette@mesia.com
MIDDLE EAST SOLAR NEWS
Dubai's DEWA invites bids for phase 4 of giant solar park

21 January
All qualified bidders were requested to present proposals for a 200MW concentrated solar power, CSP, plant, the fourth phase of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DEWA, said today. Fact Box description starts here Fact Box description ends here “This 200MW CSP Plant will be operational by April 2021, since we intend to continue generating 1,000MW from CSP by 2030.

Read more

Construction of phase 3 of giant Dubai solar park to start by end-Jan

17 january
Construction of the 800 megawatt phase 3 of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai will start at the end of this month following the award of the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the project. The EPC contract agreement has been awarded to an international consortium led by renewable energy contractor GranSolar of Spain, alongside Acciona, also from Spain, and Ghella of Italy.

Read more

RAK SOLAR PROGRAM

19 January
The Investment and Development Office of Ras Al Khaimah government announced a multi- phased solar program for utilization of solar energy in the emirate. The first phase is a roof top solar project, comprising capacity 30 – 50 MW spread over 25-30 industrial and commercial buildings, owned by government of Ras Al Khaimah and large private companies. The project will be structured on IPP framework under a BOO or BOOT framework. IDO is expected to release the EoI next month, followed by the RFQ and RFP process by May 2017. Synergy Consulting, Eversheds and DNV GL are advising on the private finance style procurement.

UAE says to spend $163bn on clean energy revolution

10 January
The UAE will spend AED600 billion ($163.3 billion) over the next three decades in developing the country's energy market, with a plan for clean energy to power 50 percent of the sector by 2050. The first unified energy strategy for the UAE has been announced which aims to balance economic needs and environmental goals.

Read more

Saudi to soon launch $30-50bn renewable energy programme

Saudi Arabia will launch a renewable energy programme in coming weeks that is expected to involve investment of between $30bn and $50bn by 2023, Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Monday. Falih, speaking at an energy industry event in Abu Dhabi, said Riyadh would start the first round of bidding within weeks for projects under the programme, which would produce 10 gigawatts of power.

Read more

ACWA Power (MESIA Founding member) to build 61.3 MW PV plant in Jordan / Country plans additional 300 MW of solar and wind

16 January
Saudi independent power producer ACWA Power has agreed with the Government of Jordan to develop, finance, construct, own and operate a new 61.3 MW photovoltaic project in Risha, a province in Eastern Jordan. ACWA Power submitted a record-low tariff of 0.042 JD/kWh ($0.059), 3.3 percent lower than the previous lowest tariff provided to Jordan with the Mafraq PV project in November, also developed by ACWA Power under the Round II of Proposals for Renewable Energy in Jordan. Completion is targeted for Q1 2019.

Read more

EBRD to support Jordan with 30 million euros to build 25 MW PV projects

25 January
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will manage a 30 million euros ($32 million) investment grant to the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ). WAJ will finance turnkey contracts for construction of cumulative 25 MW photovoltaic plants on a net meeting basis in up to 5 pumping stations, or on a wheeling basis in Al-Mafraq to produce electricity for water pumping in Jordan. The key objective of this project is to tackle the increased stress on water infrastructures by generating energy from renewable sources in order to reduce the sector’s strong dependency on conventional power. .

Read more

Oman has tremendous potential to export renewable energy

23 January
“Simple calculations show that Oman would have sufficient solar energy to not only power its own needs but all of the UK as well. While solar would be the most obvious target for a national renewable energy solution, research carried out within Sultan Qaboos University has shown that there is a role for all other forms of renewable energies in Oman including wind, marine and biomass.” said Prof. David Rooney, director of sustainable energy research at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast

Read more

Solar energy costs to see record lows in 2017

19 January
Solar energy costs will witness record lows this year, following two world records set in Dubai and Abu Dhabi last year, a senior executive told Gulf News. Fact Box description starts here Fact Box description ends here “Solar PV (photovoltaic) cost will further go down below 2 cents per kWh (kilowatt-hour) this year [beyond 2.42 cents/kWh record set in Abu Dhabi last year],” Ivano Iannelli, CEO of Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (Dubai Carbon), said in an interview during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Fact Box description starts here Fact Box description ends here Dubai Carbon tries to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon and green economy through the consolidation of knowledge. .

Read more

PV Market Alliance estimates global PV installations at 75 GW in 2016

19 January
After 50 GW of PV installations in 2015, the global PV market reached 75 GW in 2016 (DC, grid-connected), a 50 percent growth year-over-year, with now a total capacity installed globally crossing the 300 GW mark. According to the findings of the PV Market Alliance (PVMA), China is still leading the PV market since 2013 and installed in 2016 about 34 GW, representing an increase of 126 percent compared to 2015, and 45 percent of total global deployment.

Read more

UPCOMING MESIA EVENTS

 


Solar Middle East – Official Launch of the MESIA Annual Solar Outlook Report
  • Date:16 February 2017 at 11am
  • Location: Dubai World Trade Center

MESIA Board member will officially release the Annual Solar Outlook Report on the first day of Solar Middle East. The report will present an executive summary on Roof Tops and Record low utility scale prices. We will also address the solar market status (commercial, regulatory, legal analysis) in the MENA region from UAE all the way to Morocco. A large section will also be dedicated to the different solar technologies: PV, Thermal, CSP, ...


SOLAR MIDDLE EAST – MIDDLE EAST ELECTRICITY
  • Date:14-16 February 2017
  • Location: Dubai World Trade Center

MESIA has again organised a special rate for its members to exhibit at Solar Middle East 2017, within a dedicated pavilion. Pavilion benefits include:

  • Exclusive 10% discount on participation
  • Local support before and during the show
  • Marketing support and promotion by MESIA & Solar Middle East

Based in Dubai and co-located with Middle East Electricity, Solar Middle East is the MEA region’s leading solar trade event, with the power to connect your company to more decision makers, government agents and regional distributors than any other.

Read more

UPCOMING INDUSTRY MIDDLE EAST EVENTS
Saudi Water & Environment Forum 2017
  • Date: 12-14 February 2017
  • Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Official Meeting of KSA’s Government, Water & Environment Industries & International Investors Officially endorsed by the Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture, SWEF 2017 is THE meeting place for the KSA’s water and environment industries.

International investors will have the opportunity to meet senior officials from the Ministry of Environment Water & Agriculture (MEWA), the National Water Company (NWC), Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), Electricity Co-generation Regulatory Authority (ECRA), and the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME). Read more 



Solar Middle East
  • Date: 14-16 February 2017
  • Location: Dubai World Trade Center

Solar Middle East is the most comprehensive gathering of solar technology suppliers in the region and provides you with an unrivalled opportunity to see the latest developments in Solar. Solar Middle East is the region’s leading solar trade event and attracts thousands of MENA’s top project decion makers, major utilities and government policy makers.

Read more 



International Conference on Renewable Energy Technology & Minerals
  • Date: 14-16 February 2017
  • Location: Hilton Hotel, Jeddah Saudi Arabia

The main objective of organizing this conference is to bring awareness to Saudi business community and potential investors about the renewable energy technologies and future trends of this sector. This conference will provide new business opportunities in minerals, mining and manufacturing industries. Read more 

 



Solar Fair Pakistan 2017
  • Date: 16-18 March 2017
  • Location: Lahore Expo Centre

Solar Fair Pakistan 2017 is design to serve and advance the solar market by bringing together the industry leaders, manufacturers and leaders to seek new business technologies, business solutions and other market factors. The objective of Solar Fair Pakistan 2017 is to increase the share of solar power in the energy supply around the globe. Read more 

 



SHARE YOUR SUCCESS

 

 

 


Array Technologies (MESIA member) expands to MENAT region and delivers 24 MW solar trackers to Turkey

Array Technologies, Inc. (ATI), the pioneer and global leader in solar tracking solutions, is pleased to announce its expansion to the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region. ATI continues to expand its leadership in this emerging solar tracking market by securing multiple utility-scale projects and opening a new office in Abu Dhabi.

The company has also received an innovation award courtesy of the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) and the World Future Energy Summit (WFES). ATI is partnering with STC Elektronik to provide solar trackers for four projects totaling 24 MW in Turkey. The portfolio will be built by the partners in the first half of 2017.

The purchase agreement for these projects located in Sugözü Mevki, Sazli, Söke, and Aydın was signed last week at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi. Construction is expected to start at the end of Q1 2017. Read more

 

 

 


Marubeni (MESIA member) to build 1.18GW solar plant

The plant is to be constructed on a 7.8-sq.-km desert plot in eastern Abu Dhabi. The land will be on loan from a local government. Marubeni, which could sign papers regarding the plant as early as next month, aims to fire up the panels in 2019. Total costs are estimated at 100 billion yen ($868 million). The money is expected to come from financial institutions in the form of project financing. The Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority will sign for 60% of the loan package, with Marubeni and Chinese solar panel maker JinkoSolar (MESIA member) responsible for 20% each. Read more

KEEP IN TOUCH
CONTACT US
If you have a question or would like to speak to us about a project, please contact the relevant board member below. For urgent queries please contact micheline@mesia.com
   
Chairman - Abdul Aziz Al Midfa  chairman@mesia.com
President, Hadi Tahboub  hadi@mesia.com
Vice-President, James Stewart  james@mesia.com 
Secretary General - Wim Alen  wim@mesia.com 
Tresurer - Mohammed Atif  mohammed@mesia.com 
Marketing Director - Gurmeet Kaur  gurmeet@mesia.com  
Membership Director - Imad Meselmani  imad@mesia.com  
Legal Director - Derek Kirton:  derek@mesia.com  
Research Director - Dr Toufic Hawat:  toufic@mesia.com  
International development director - Karel De Winter:  karel@mesia.com