ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, June 9 (UPI) -- Total and Spanish solar company Abengoa secured a deal to build the largest solar power plant in the world in Abu Dhabi, the French supermajor said.
Abu Dhabi alternative energy company Masdar appointed the two companies to build and operate the Shams 1 concentrated solar power plant, which will be located about 75 miles southwest of Abu Dhabi.
The facility will encompass roughly 1 square mile of land, producing around 100 megawatts of energy.
Total said the project would displace around 175,000 tons of greenhouse gases each year, or the equivalent of removing 15,000 cars from Abu Dhabi roads. The project would also contribute to a regional goal of meeting 7 percent of energy production through alternative means by 2020.
"It is through such partnerships that Masdar will succeed in developing and advancing renewable energy solutions and establish Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates as a world leader in renewable energy and clean technology," said Sultan al-Jaber, chief executive at Masdar.
It should take roughly two years to complete Shams 1 once construction starts in late 2010.
