Shanghai-based Jinko Solar, one of the world’s leading solar module manufacturers, will participate in the construction of what will become the Kingdom’s largest solar plant by supplying more than 200,000 solar modules to local firm SchneiTec Group.
The 60-megawatt solar plant will be raised in Kampong Speu province.
New York Stock Exchange-listed Jinko Solar announced Tuesday the signing of the deal with SchneiTec Group.
Warren Lee, business development manager for Southeast Asia at Jinko Solar, said both companies have been working on the deal for about a year before coming to a final agreement.
He said it is the company’s biggest deal in the Kingdom yet: “We have other small projects here already, mostly for residential rooftops and smaller scale commercial projects.
“But, this project is our first utility-scale installation,” Mr Lee said.
The power produced at the upcoming plant will be supplied to Electricite du Cambodge (EDC), Mr Lee said.
“This project marks a milestone in Cambodia’s renewable power section, not only in terms of capacity, but also as major stepping stone for the country to find clean and efficient energy solutions in tackling the energy deficit,” he said.
The installation of the modules is due to begin next month, with an expected completion and commercial operation date set for December 2019, Mr Lee said.
He did not disclose the total amount of money the company will receive for the modules.
“We have great expectations for the entire region. The region’s booming population, strong economic growth engines, and abundant sunlight represent an exciting opportunity for solar and for Jinko Solar,” said Gener Miao, vice president of global sales and marketing at Jinko Solar.
“This 60MWs solar installation is just the first step towards an abundant and vibrant renewable energy future in Cambodia,” he added.
SchneiTec Group project director Say Sotheara said Jinko Solar’s world-class products and service will help them meet their goals.
“We chose Jinko Solar modules for their superior reliability, proven durability and performance in hot and humid environments,” he said.
Last year, the Asia Development Bank provided a $9.2-million loan to Singapore-based Sunseap Group to build a 10MWs solar farm in Bavet city, in Svay Rieng province. The solar farm is already in operation.
ADB is now conducting a feasibility study for a 100MWs solar park in Cambodia. The study is expected to be finished in November, when the bidding process for the project will begin.
With seven hydropower plants scheduled to be fully operational by the end of 2018, the Electricity Authority of Cambodia forecasts that total energy output will reach 1,329MWs, of which 538MWs will come from coal power plants, 251MWs from fossil fuel power stations, and 72MWs from renewable energy sources.
