The Swiss power electronics specialist ABB has supplied its central inverters for a 20 MW solar power project, developed by Middle Eastern EPC contractor Complete Energy Solutions (CES) in Egypt, for UAE-based agricultural company Al Dahra.

The company said the PV plant was commissioned this year over two phases, and that it is located in Toshka, in the Western Desert of Egypt. Here, the government is looking to transform half a million acres of desert into arable land through the so-called, controversial, Toshka Project. The project aims to create a second Nile Valley that would sustain Egypt’s thriving urban community. Through the project, the government intends to build a series of canals and a pumping station to carry water from Lake Nassar to irrigate portions of the Western Desert.

“The solar plant will add reliable power capacity to the grid in Toshka, which will support agricultural infrastructure development in this area. The plant also utilizes green technologies helping to reduce CO2 emissions as well as the usage of conventional sources of energy, reducing the petro chemical subsidies for Egypt,” said the executive director of CES Yasser El Shazly.

ABB said the supply agreement included the complete electrical and automation solution for the plant, design and engineering works. The deal also comprised the supply of eight PVS800-IS inverter stations, PVS800-MVP pad mounted medium-voltage (MV) solutions, string boxes and a SCADA system for controlling the plant.

“We are proud to have participated in this eminent project, which serves the country’s ambitious renewable energy plans, generates a positive environmental impact and makes the best use of its natural resources,” said ABB managing director in Egypt, Central & North Africa, Naji Jreijiri.