In November 2021, the Oman Ibri Phase II photovoltaic power station was successfully connected to the grid, with a total installed capacity of 607MW. The project is currently the world’s largest TOPCon photovoltaic solar modules ground power station and the largest single ground power station project in Oman.
The project covers an area of 1,154 hectares and is located near Ibri, the capital of Dahila Province. The construction cost is about 400 million US dollars. It can generate more than 1,598GW/h of electricity per year, which can meet the annual electricity consumption of about 33,000 local households and reduce carbon emissions every year. Emission of 800,000 tons, effectively alleviating the pressure of local electricity peaks and electricity shortages. The project was developed by ACWA Power, a leading Saudi energy company, and will supply power to the government-run Oman Electricity and Water Procurement Company upon completion.
In the project, ACWA Power pays special attention to the application of the latest technical route, and requires the maximum reduction of LCOE; at the same time, it also puts forward high standard requirements for the reliability of the equipment, in order to cope with the problems of Oman’s tropical desert climate, windy sand, strong wind erosion and large temperature difference.
Over 80% bifacial ratio + low attenuation, higher power generation
The Niwa series N-type bifacial solar modules based on TOPCon technology have a bifacial rate of over 80%. The third-party certification agency has conducted power generation demonstration comparisons with modules of different technology versions in various terrains and environments, and verified that the Niwa series N-type bifacial solar panels can be used in desert conditions. Compared with single-sided modules, the power generation gain can reach more than 16%, which maximizes the double-sided ratio advantage of Niwa solar modules, greatly improves photovoltaic power generation efficiency, reduces operation and maintenance costs, and improves project profitability.
Low temperature coefficient + double glass structure, reliable operation in high temperature and strong wind and sand environment
The project is located in the desert area of the Middle East, with complex terrain and many sandstorms. The average temperature is above 40℃, which puts forward higher requirements for the construction of the project and the technology and quality of component products. The temperature coefficient of the Niwa series double-sided double-glass modules is as low as -0.32%/W, which effectively reduces the output loss and risk caused by the high temperature in the use of the equipment. Even if the actual temperature reaches above 70 °C, the modules can operate normally, which perfectly solves the project. The problem of running power output in desert extreme climates.