Sharp Corp. has signed an agreement with NED, an independent power producer IPP in the Kingdom of Thailand, to establish one of the world's largest solar power generation plants with a power generation capacity of 73MW. Sharp will also supply thin-film solar cell modules and surrounding systems for the plant.
The construction of the solar power generation plant will start this month and the operation is planned to start by the end of 2011.
The Kingdom of Thailand is renowned for its abundant solar radiation throughout the year. The government of Thailand targets an increase in the amount of renewable energy, up to 20 percent of the total electricity demand by 2022. The use of solar power generation is expected to grow in the future.
Thin-film solar cells are optimal for use in a high-temperature climate, compared to crystalline solar cells. Sharp's experience in the mass production of thin-film solar cells has enabled Sharp to take part in this project. The thin-film solar cell modules to be used in the power generation plant will be supplied partially from Sharp's solar cell plant at Green Front Sakai in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, which started operation in March.
Sharp will collaborate with ITD/ITE on the design and construction of the plant. Sharp will take a step forward by not only supplying solar cell modules, but also by offering a business model that provides everything from related equipment procurement to system design and construction of the power generation plant, by collaborating with local companies both domestic and abroad.
