Ausra is selected as steam boiler provider for 100MW CSP plant

Moving forward the development of the proposed 100MW JOAN1 concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) project, Ausra has been selected as the supplier of solar steam boilers. With this selection, the development of the plant in Ma'an, Jordan is going ahead as planned.

Ausra's selection was announced n Berlin during SolarPACES, the CSP industry's largest conference, following a competitive tender offer. The announcement was made by Samer Zureikat, Managing Director of Germany-based MENA Cleantech.

"Ausra's robust and cost-effective solar boiler technology, its team of experienced power industry veterans, as well as its OEM business model make it the most suitable solar steam boiler company to provide equipment for this landmark project," stated Zureikat.

"Jordan's modern investment laws and progressive regulatory climate coupled with its unparalleled solar resource make Ma'an one of the best locations in the world to build a Concentrating Solar Power plant," said Zureikat on the choice of location.

Ausra's Compact Linear Fresnel Reflector technology will power the plant's solar steam cycle and generate up to 100MW of electricity. JOAN1 will use dry cooling to conserve water.

The solar steam boiler provider plans to install an advanced manufacturing facility in Jordan in order to efficiently supply the project with this technology. The project is scheduled for financial close in the fourth quarter of 2010, with construction beginning in early 2011. Operation is scheduled for 2013 and once complete will be the largest CSP project in the world using direct solar steam generation.

The development of JOAN1 will also include a back-up fossil-fuel boiler to guarantee 24-hour dispatchable electric power.