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OPEC Nations Seek Cash for $1.5 Billion Solar Power Plan
OPEC Nations Seek Cash for $1.5 Billion Solar Power Plan
Anthony DiPaola, Bloomberg
August 02, 2013
DUBAI -- Two of the largest oil producers are readying the Middle East’s first big push into renewable energy, planning solar-power plants that will need more than $1.5 billion in financing by the end of 2014.
Saudi Arabia, the biggest member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, and the United Arab Emirates, fourth-biggest in the group, are seeking to add 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity, enough to electrify 200,000 homes. The forecast expansion, which includes Jordan, will require loans and export credits, said Vahid Fotuhi, president of the Dubai- based Emirates Solar Industry Association.
Governments across the Middle East and North Africa consider sun and wind energy as crucial for meeting the needs of growing populations and economies, with Saudi Arabia leading the way. Oil-producers want to develop renewables to conserve more crude for export, while countries relying on imported fuel see local green power as a cheaper alternative. State support for utilities and a growth in regional power demand of about 5 percent a year mean companies such as Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. can borrow at rates that are 100 basis points, or 1 percentage point, lower than Spain’s Abengoa Solar SA.
Risk Profile
“If you see a rising population and rising energy demand, that really helps the risk profile,” Amol Shitole, a credit analyst with SJS Markets Ltd. in Bangalore, India, said by telephone July 25. Projects that can pair local companies with international power-plant developers already known to lenders will have “strong support from banks,” he said.
Renewables investment in the Middle East and North Africa rose 40 percent last year to $2.9 billion...
Anthony DiPaola, Bloomberg
August 02, 2013
DUBAI -- Two of the largest oil producers are readying the Middle East’s first big push into renewable energy, planning solar-power plants that will need more than $1.5 billion in financing by the end of 2014.
Saudi Arabia, the biggest member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, and the United Arab Emirates, fourth-biggest in the group, are seeking to add 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity, enough to electrify 200,000 homes. The forecast expansion, which includes Jordan, will require loans and export credits, said Vahid Fotuhi, president of the Dubai- based Emirates Solar Industry Association.
Governments across the Middle East and North Africa consider sun and wind energy as crucial for meeting the needs of growing populations and economies, with Saudi Arabia leading the way. Oil-producers want to develop renewables to conserve more crude for export, while countries relying on imported fuel see local green power as a cheaper alternative. State support for utilities and a growth in regional power demand of about 5 percent a year mean companies such as Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. can borrow at rates that are 100 basis points, or 1 percentage point, lower than Spain’s Abengoa Solar SA.
Risk Profile
“If you see a rising population and rising energy demand, that really helps the risk profile,” Amol Shitole, a credit analyst with SJS Markets Ltd. in Bangalore, India, said by telephone July 25. Projects that can pair local companies with international power-plant developers already known to lenders will have “strong support from banks,” he said.
Renewables investment in the Middle East and North Africa rose 40 percent last year to $2.9 billion...
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2013/08/opec-nations-seek-cash-for-1-5-billion-solar-power-plan?cmpid=WNL-Wednesday-August7-2013
