Enviromena Power Systems, a UAE-based clean energy company, has started the construction of 509 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the Middle East and North Africa region.

“The region has seen tremendous growth in the solar industry as a predictable option against volatile commodity prices,” said Sami Khoreibi, chief executive of Enviromena in a press release. “As costs continue to decline coupled with advancements in technology, we expect an upcoming project pipeline of 900 MW for Enviromena in the region,” added Khoreibi.

In Egypt, Enviromena is constructing 256 MW of solar PV projects which will help provide power to nearly 370,000 homes while displacing 454,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The Benban area, located in the Aswan Governorate, will house a large solar complex totaling 32 power projects generating a combined 1,650 MW of electricity. Each project is expected to be online next year to help Egypt achieve its target of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020.

Mercom had previously reported that a consortium of investors led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, finalized a $653 million debt package to finance the construction of 13 solar power projects near the Egyptian city of Aswan that will be a part of the larger Benban Solar Park.

Enviromena has also broken ground on a 247 MW project in Al Muwaqqar, Jordan. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2020, which will bring electricity to 320,000 homes while displacing 408,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

In the UAE, the company has started work on four rooftop solar projects totaling 5 MW. The systems are all located in Dubai, including Al Barakah Dates Factory – which will be the world’s first date factory to run on solar power. In addition, the company is installing at 1.34 MW system at the Gulf Center for Soap and Chemical Industries.

Ayham Mkalalati, Director of Business Development at Enviromena, said, “Enviromena has already completed 104 MW of solar projects this year, and by year-end, we will have increased that total to more than 600 MW. To continue growing our portfolio while providing unparalleled service, we’ve also increased our staff by 30 percent since the start of the year.”

Earlier this year, the company inaugurated, along with its joint venture partner TSK of Spain, the 103 MW Quweira solar project – currently the largest solar power park in Jordan.