TAQA Power, a subsidiary of the TAQA Arabia group, has announced that it will construct two 5 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants in the Red Sea’s beach town of Somabay. The two solar power plants are projected to make a major contribution to lowering Soma Bay’s environmental effect. Every year, a large number of tourists visit this coastal town on the Red Sea, which covers an area of 10 million sq. metres. The project will need a $4 million investment.
The new venture plans to construct two PV solar energy plants with a combined capacity of 5 MW on the grounds of the Red Sea’s popular seaside resort, the Somabay. TAQA Power will enter into a power purchase agreement with Abu Soma Touristic Development (ASDC), which administers the Soma Bay beach resort.
TAQA is one of the top ten integrated utilities champions in the EMEA area, having electricity, water, and oil and gas activities in 11 different countries. The TAQA Arabia arrangement also involves the turnkey construction (EPC) of a second 1.2 MW solar photovoltaic project. This other plant’s operation will thereafter be handed to ASDC. ASDC also sees the two solar power facilities as part of the Egyptian government’s aim to diversify the country’s electrical mix by incorporating more renewable energy.