Sharp Corporation has signed an agreement with NED*2 to establish one of the world’s largest solar power generation plants with a power generation capacity of 73 MW, and to supply thin-film solar cell modules and surrounding systems for the plant. The construction of the solar power generation plant will start in July 2010 and the operation is planned to start by the end of 2011. NED is an independent power producer (IPP*3) in the Kingdom of Thailand, with a 33.3% stake owned by DGA, a wholly owned subsidiary company of Mitsubishi Corporation. Together with ITD/ITE*4, the largest construction companies in Thailand, Sharp Corporation has signed an agreement for this project.
The Kingdom of Thailand is renowned for its abundant solar radiation throughout the year. The government of Thailand targets an increase in the amount of renewable energy, up to 20%*5 of the total electricity demand by 2022. The use of solar power generation is expected to grow in the future.
Thin-film solar cells are optimal for use in a high-temperature climate, compared to crystalline solar cells. Sharp’s experience in the mass production of thin-film solar cells has enabled Sharp to take part in this project. The thin-film solar cell modules to be used in the power generation plant will be supplied partially from Sharp’s solar cell plant at GREEN FRONT SAKAI in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, which started operation in March 2010.
Sharp will collaborate with ITD/ITE on the design and construction of the plant. Sharp will take a step forward by not only supplying solar cell modules, but also by offering a business model that provides everything from related equipment procurement to system design and construction of the power generation plant, by collaborating with local companies both domestic and abroad.
| *1 |
As of July 1, 2010. |
| *2 |
NED: Natural Energy Development Co., Ltd. A joint venture company established by DGA (Diamond Generating Asia, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, that controls IPP business in Southeast Asia and Taiwan), CLP (CLP Holdings Ltd., the largest private power company in Asia, head office in Hong Kong), and EGCO (Electricity Generating Public Co., Ltd., the leading IPP company in the Kingdom of Thailand). The joint venture company will support the planning, funding, and management of the power generation business. |
| *3 |
IPP (Independent Power Producer): A company that installs the power generation facility and sells the power generated at the plant. |
| *4 |
ITD (Italian-Thai Development Public Co., Ltd.): The largest construction company in the Kingdom of Thailand. ITD has wide experience in Thailand and global markets for the construction of public facilities such as international airports, hydraulic power plants as well as commercial buildings.
ITE (ITALTHAI Engineering Co., Ltd.): A related company of ITD. ITE provides a wide range of services including electricity supply and design of buildings and facilities. |
| *5 |
Based on the announcement of the Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Thailand in September 2009. |
Overview of the Solar Power Generation Plant in the Kingdom of Thailand
| ・ Company name: |
NED (Natural Energy Development Co., Ltd.) |
| ・ Area: |
190 ha (1.9 km2) |
| ・ Power generation capacity: |
73 MW |
| ・ Detail of the system: |
Thin-film solar cells, inverter, mounting, etc. |
| ・ Installation: |
On-land installation |
| ・ Start of construction: |
July 2010 |
| ・ Start of operation: |
By the end of 2011 |
| ・ Location: |
Lop Buri Province, Kingdom of Thailand |
| The following information is true and accurate at the time of publication. Manufacture, sale, price and specifications of products may be subject to change. |
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