US-based solar tracker manufacturer Nextracker has clinched a significant deal to supply equipment for a massive 1.17-gigawatt (GW) installation at the Al Kahfah Solar Power Plant project in Saudi Arabia, developed by ACWA Power Co, the company announced today.
The contract, awarded by ACWA Power in collaboration with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor Larsen and Toubro Ltd, or L&T, entails the deployment of Nextracker's cutting-edge NX Horizon-XTR smart solar tracker systems. This order marks the largest single deployment of this series for Nextracker to date, according to a press release.
The Al Kahfah project, boasting a total capacity of 1.581 GWp, is one of three major solar photovoltaic (PV) Independent Power Producer (IPP) initiatives spearheaded by ACWA Power and the Water and Electricity Holding Company (Badeel), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Nextracker's involvement in the Al Kahfah venture follows in the footsteps of fellow industry player Arctech Solar Holding Co Ltd, which secured a substantial 1.7 GW order from L&T in December, inclusive of 408 MW of trackers earmarked for the Al Kahfah site.
In addition to supplying state-of-the-art tracking systems, Nextracker has committed to bolstering local content and capacity development in Saudi Arabia. As part of this endeavor, the US firm will collaborate with a network of local partners to source raw materials and provide manufacturing support for its trackers at facilities across the region.
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The contract underscores Nextracker's growing presence in the global solar market and its dedication to supporting renewable energy projects of immense scale. With the Al Kahfah Solar Power Plant poised to be a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's transition towards sustainable energy sources, Nextracker's innovative technologies are set to play a pivotal role in optimizing the plant's performance and efficiency.
