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The Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) has joined hands with the Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) to explore the possibilities of developing power generation using solar energy in the country.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by Dr Khalid K al-Hajri, chairman and CEO of QSTec and Fahad Hamad al-Mohannadi, QEWC general manager.

Al-Hajri said QSTec sees the agreement as a major step towards providing a sustainable energy source in Qatar as part of Qatar National Vision 2030.

“We hope the collaboration will see many projects become a reality both here in Qatar and across the globe,” al-Hajri said.

Al-Mohannadi said: “The interest in alternative energy sources and solar energy in Qatar is present and growing. The development and advancement of solar cell technology and the related industry should be the corner stone for the future strategy on alternative energy resources.

“Over the past several years the region has seen a number of pioneering and strategic efforts to diversify energy resources and develop projects that rely on renewable energy. These are all efforts to help conserve traditional energy resources.

“QEWC believes Qatar and the GCC region have both geographic and climate advantages suitable for the development of solar energy. Together with QEWC’s experience in power generation and water desalination and Qatar Solar Technologies efforts in research and development, we will help develop an appropriate framework which addresses the development and effective use of this promising technology in the region.”

QSTec said it is building a brand new solar energy industry in Qatar - one of the most important and exciting in the world right now.

Qatar Solar Technologies’ number one priority is providing solar solutions that are of the “very best” in terms of quality, efficiency and sustainability.

QSTec will soon be producing high quality, solar grade polysilicon, the key ingredient that goes into making the world’s most efficient solar technologies such as solar cells and modules that convert the power of the sun into energy. This solar energy will provide a sustainable alternative source of energy while conserving and protecting Qatar’s natural resources for the future.

In time, QSTec hopes to expand and create many more solar energy solutions in Qatar -not just benefiting Qatar but the rest of the world too by protecting the environment.

QSTec’s $1bn polysilicon manufacturing plant, located in RasLaffan, will initially produce 8,000 metric tonnes per year of polysilicon. By the time this is transformed into solar modules, they will capture enough solar energy to power around 240,000 homes for an entire year.

QEWC is one of the leading utility companies in the GCC region owning assets over $6.1bn with an equity portfolio capacity that exceeds 5,800 MW of net power and 258mn gallons per day of net potable water.
QEWC is targeting business development opportunities in Qatar by regionally utilising solar powered technology for power generation and water desalination purposes.