01 October 2020

Acwa Power, a Saudi-based developer, investor and operator of power generation and desalinated water plants, has completed the signing of all financing agreements for the 900-MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project, Shuaa Energy 3, which is the fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MBR) Solar Park in Dubai.

Shuaa Energy 3 is the special-purpose vehicle incorporated for the project, with 60 per cent ownership by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), and the balance split between Acwa Power and Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC), said the Saudi group.

The project involves the construction of a 900-MW solar PV plant, using bi-facial panels with tracking technology at a capital cost of $564 million, and has been the focus of significant international interest, having demonstrated one of the lowest levelised cost of electricity in the world at 1.6953 US cents per kWh.

The financing for the project is based on the principles of limited recourse project financing with the senior debt provided by a number of international, regional and local banks along with a project recourse mezzanine tranche committed by a regional bank, structured as a 27-year soft mini perm financing with both conventional and Islamic tranches.

In addition, the financing structure featured a set of equity bridge loans provided by local banks and also by Dewa.

Commenting on the deal, Acwa Power President and CEO Paddy Padmanathan said: “Securing this amount of long tenor project financing for Shuaa Energy 3 even as the Covid 19 pandemic continues to cause social and economic disruption to the entire world illustrates the combined capabilities and trusted partnership between Acwa Power and Dewa.”

“We are delighted to have achieved this significant milestone, which reflects confidence of the financial community in this partnership, and the role and iconic status of the fifth phase of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in delivering Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050,” he added.

Chief Investment Officer Rajit Nanda said: “Project financing of this magnitude having been successfully raised from nine project finance lenders in the midst of a global pandemic, is the ultimate testament to Dewa’s credibility as a counterparty and the success of their IPP programme, as well as Acwa Power’s focus and proven ability to deliver power and desalinated water reliably and responsibly at low cost.”

The EPC agreement for the construction of the project was signed with Shanghai Electric in July 2020.  

• Acwa inks finance deals for Dubai solar park
• Dubai Chamber HQ on track for early 2021 finish
• Khalifa Port’s expansion work on track
• Metro Red Line stations upgrade progresses
• Hamriyah zone, Lamprell ink leasing deal
• Jubail Island homes design deal awarded
• UAE’s construction sector likely to hit $75.8bn
• Miral’s waterfront project work on track
• Renault K trucks delivered to Ocean Readymix
• In brief

Tags

Cranes Water Technology BIM Glass & Metal TechTalk Regional News Saudi Focus UAE Focus Events Legally Bound Architecture & Design Real Estate Contractors Interiors Tenders Manufacturers & Procurement

Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.