Where is Qatar's first solar power plant?

Qatar's first solar power plant, built by Chinese companies, was put into operation on Tuesday, marking a milestone for the country in energy transition. The 800MW Al Kharsaah Solar Power Plant, located in the desert area about 80 kilometers west of its capital Doha, is one of the largest in the Middle East.

What is Qatar's first large-scale solar project?

Al Kharsaah, Qatar's 1st large-scale solar project, will start providing sustainable, economical, and clean energy to enterprises, organizations, and citizens via the Qatari grid in 2021, with a 350 MWp capacity initially, before attaining maximum capacity in 2022.

Why should Qatar invest in a solar power plant?

The power plant can supply 10% of the country’s peak energy consumption and help to avoid 26 million tonnes of carbon emissions over its operational life. It also reduces the reliance on gas for power generation, diversifying Qatar’s power sources. Total and Marubeni won the solar project through a competitive tender process.

Will Qatar install solar panels on a redundant roof?

To make up for Qatar’s space constraints, the company plans to install solar panels on redundant surfaces such as roofs of power stations and water reservoirs, thereby utilizing existing power transmission lines which will substantially reduced construction costs.

How to develop solar power in Qatar?

Currently, efforts have focused on developing solar capacity in the country through research centers, universities, utilities and pilot projects, and a number of institutions including Kahramaa, Qatar Foundation, QNFSP and QSTP are actively working on this front.

What is Qatar's first non-fossil power plant?

With a total investment of $417 million, it is the first non-fossil fuel power station in the country endowed with petroleum and natural gas. As Qatar's first large-scale ground solar power plant connected to the grid at full capacity, the Al Kharsaah project can meet 10 percent of the country's peak electricity demand.