RIYADH: Steps are being taken to construct a factory to manufacture silicon panels and solar cells as a step toward veering away from dependence on fossil fuel.
This follows a contract signed between Alaa Nassif, CEO of the Royal Commission in Yanbu, and Ibrahim Al-Fandi, board director of the Al-Fandi Solar Group.
The factory, designed to be the biggest in the region, is expected to pave the way toward meeting the local demand for solar energy when it starts operations.
Al-Fandi said the factory, which is expected to come on stream before the end of this year, will produce 450,000 solar panels yearly.
“These solar panels will generate 120 megawatts which will be enough to cover the growing demand for this renewable energy source,” he said.
Al-Fandi added that the production rate is expected to hit 1,000 megawatts after the completion of the stages of execution.
Majd Al-Dohawi, Al-Afandi Solar Group board member and deputy director, said the establishment of an integrated factory corresponds to the Kingdom’s ambitious National Transform program.
“The program is considered to be strategic and a substantial leap for the economy of the Kingdom,” he added.
He said solar energy has become an adequate option for the Kingdom as it can provide much of power the Kingdom needs.
A study at King Saud University (KSU) said the construction boom coupled with growing population will continue to increase power needs and so solar energy remains an ideal substitute for fossil fuel that causes environmental pollution.
The Kingdom’s investment in renewable energy is estimated to be around $3 billion.
Manufacture of silicon panels, solar cells on the cards
