The American-based utility-scale photovoltaic power solutions company, First Solar is planning to establish its first factory together with Turkey's Zorlu Energy in view of Turkey's solar market potential.
Zorlu Energy Group Head Sinan Ak, speaking exclusively to Anadolu Agency on Monday, said Zorlu Energy became the distributor of First Solar in 26 countries over five years based on an agreement between the two sides.
"They [First Solar] told us [Zorlu] that 'they will give us 26 countries for panel distribution and foresee that we would be able to reach 1,000 megawatts during this period, then establish the factory together'. Together with such new investments, they plan to reach 10,000 megawatts of panel production per year," Ak explained.
He confirmed that discussions would take place on First Solar's plans for Turkey during his visit to the U.S. this week.
He shared, however, that even though the company did not bid in Turkey's Renewable Energy Resources Zones (YEKA) tender in March due to a technology change in panel production, the plans to build a factory and solar power plant in Turkey are still afoot, but have merely been postponed because of the technology change.
Zorlu Energy was one of the companies expected to bid in the YEKA tender in March for 1,000 megawatts of solar capacity.
Although the huge potential in the solar market is on the rise, First Solar will not be able to produce panels before 2020.
"First Solar is saying that 'there is no panel for 2018 and 2019, but we can receive orders for 2020'. Growing demand in the U.S., amazing potential in China and India is pushing this trend," he said.
- Zorlu Energy to establish company in Dubai
Ak also elaborated on the company's investment in different companies, and stated that Zorlu holds a license for 300 megawatts of solar in Pakistan.
"We have started the construction for 100 megawatts of this part. We financed it through international institutions like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Finance Corporation and Eco Trade and Development Bank. We are planning to finish 100 megawatts of solar as soon as possible," he said.
Zorlu Energy will set up a company in Dubai partnered with ADB and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the assets from which will be put in Pakistan, Ak said.
"ADB offered to create this company and we plan to make solar, wind and geothermal investment through this company from Kazakhstan to Bangladesh, Indonesia and Afghanistan, including Pakistan," he said.
Ak concluded that the process to set up the company would be complete within one year.
By Nuran Erkul
Anadolu Agency
nuran.erkul@aa.com.tr
