Construction Complete on 84 MW Large-Scale Solar Power Generation Plant in Thailand

In May 2013, construction was completed on one of the largest^*2 solar power generation plants in Thailand, one that Sharp Corporation had been contracted to construct^*3 by NED^*4, an IPP^*5 in that country. The newly constructed 10.3 MW-dc^*6 power generation facility stands next to a 73.2 MW-dc one that was completed in March 2012. The two sites boast a combined output of approximately 84 MW-dc.

The plant will be operated by NED, which receives capital from DGA^*4, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan.

NED placed a construction order for this project with Sharp, ITE^*3, and ITD^*3 (the largest construction company in Thailand). Sharp collaborated on the design and construction of the plant and also supplied the solar modules and surrounding systems for it.

The power plant employs thin-film solar modules that, compared to crystalline solar cells, offer superior performance characteristics under high temperatures. Sharp supplied approximately 640,000 of these modules—along with the requisite surrounding systems—on an expansive area of about 2.16 square kilometers. Maintenance services will be provided by Sharp Solar Maintenance Asia Co., Ltd. (SSMA)^*7, a Sharp subsidiary established in March 2011. Specially trained and qualified personnel will provide operational support by inspecting and servicing the entire plant.

Targeting growing markets in Japan and newly emerging economies, Sharp will continue to develop a comprehensive business model that covers the design and construction of solar power plants, the procurement of solar modules and surrounding systems, and the provision of maintenance services.

• *1 An EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contractor carries out the design of a project, procures all the necessary equipment, and contructs the project.
• *2 As of May 29, 2013 (based on Sharp research).
• *3 Constructed along with two Thai companies: major construction company ITD (Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited) and its related company, ITE (ITALTHAI Engineering Co., Ltd.).
  ITD: The largest construction company in 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: ITE provides a wide range of services including electricity supply and design of buildings and facilities.
• *4 NED: Natural Energy Development Co., Ltd. A joint venture company established by DGA (Diamond Generating Asia, Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, that controls IPP business in Southeast Asia and Taiwan), CLP (CLP Holdings Limited, the largest private power company in Asia, head office in Hong Kong), and EGCO (Electricity Generating Public Company Limited, the leading IPP company in Thailand). The joint venture company supports the planning, funding, and management of the power generation business.
• *5 IPP (independent power producer): A company that installs the power generation facility and sells the power generated at the plant.
• *6 dc: direct current
• *7 SSMA is a subsidiary of Sharp Corporation established on March 21, 2011, to provide repair and maintenance services for large-scale solar power plants in Asia.

Overview of the Solar Power Generation Plant in Thailand

73.2 MW Site

10.3 MW Site

Overview of Contracting for Thai Solar Power Project