24-05-2012

Abu Dhabi state oil refiner launches pilot project with solar frontier CIS thin-film modules

Showa Shell Sekiyu Group Participates in Takreer Joint Project with Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K. and Solar Frontier K.K. announced today their participation in a joint project between JCCP and Takreer (Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company), an oil refining company managed by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, to introduce and test photovoltaic power generation systems at one of its facilities. The opening ceremony was held in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on May 22. Many of the attendees, including Tatsuro Watanabe, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE, expressed great expectations for the project.

JCCP is an organization that promotes employee exchanges and technical cooperation with oil-producing nations in downstream oil sectors. The Japan delegation's interest in friendly relations with oil-producing nations for stable oil supply complements the renewable energy policy of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which will increase its capacity to export crude oil rather than use it domestically. The solar panels used in the project feature CIS thin-film solar cells that were supplied by Solar Frontier K.K. through Showa Shell Sekiyu, a member of JCCP. The UAE is the second nation in the Middle East where the Showa Shell Sekiyu Group has participated in projects, after Saudi Arabia.

The photovoltaic power generation systems total 36.4 kilowatts installed in four locations, including on the rooftop of a facility related to oil refining operated by Takreer. Solar Frontier's CIS thin-film solar cells exhibit suitability for high temperature environments, and thus Takreer has high expectations for the system. Showa Shell Sekiyu Group will gather and analyze power generation data on the solar cells that were installed over a period of one year and will examine the possibility of installing additional photovoltaic power systems at other refinery related facilities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Showa Shell Sekiyu Group has been engaged in crude oil transactions with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for many years. The opportunity to augment the relationship through renewable energy initiatives in advanced solar technology with organizations such as JCCP adds significant potential benefits. Overview of the Joint Project
1. Principle Project Entities: Japan Cooperation Center, Petroleum (JCCP) and Takreer (an oil refining company managed by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi)
2. Project Supporters: Showa Shell Sekiyu Group (Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K., Showa Yokkaichi Sekiyu, Co., Ltd.*, Solar Frontier K.K.)
3. Construction: Chiyoda Corporation
4. Installation Site: 4 locations including the rooftop of an oil refinery related facility operated by Takreer.
5. Photovoltaic Power Generation System: Four 9.1kW photovoltaic power generation systems that use CIS thin-film solar cells from Solar Frontier.