Dubai Silicon Oasis signs agreement with Chang Zhou Almaden Ltd. to host new manufacturing and training facility.
Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for the Dubai Silicon Oasis, has signed an agreement with Chang Zhou Almaden Ltd., one of the world’s largest producers of photovoltaic anti-reflective coated glass, to host its new manufacturing and training facility at the integrated free zone technology park.
The 15,000 square meter factory will be set up at a total capital cost of 110 million AED, marking Almaden’s foray into the MENA region. Designed to produce up to 400,000 PV panels every year, the manufacturing facility is set for completion in Q1 2015.
The facility will additionally host a state-of-the-art training centre that will target raising awareness on green energy and sustainable solutions for the MENA region.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Mohammad Alzarooni, Vice Chairman & CEO of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, and Jinxi Lin, Chairman of Chang Zhou Almaden during GITEX Technology Week 2014 which took place October 12 through 16 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Commenting on this new achievement, Dr. Mohammed Alzarooni, said: “We welcome Chang Zhou Almaden to the hi-tech park and look forward to a symbiotic partnership with the world’s largest producer of anti-reflective glass. The Middle East is rapidly gaining international attention as an emerging market for solar energy. This has led to high uptake for innovative technologies. Dubai offers an international platform with comprehensive regional reach, providing Almaden the perfect location to establish its regional manufacturing facility.”
At the DSO plant, Almaden will produce specialized super thin dual-glass PV panels to suit the desert climate, especially for residential buildings, car parking areas, green houses, roof tops and solar farms.
Jinxi Lin, said: “Solar is definitely the energy source for the future and although there are huge challenges facing the industry, we believe Almaden will create an impact on the market with our improved eco-friendly technology, competitive pricing and quality standards. Our ultra-thin dual glass PV panel has been especially designed for the hot summers of the Middle East allowing minimal power loss in high humidity and high temperature environments. We are glad to make our entry into this region with our facility at Dubai Silicon Oasis. We are confident our operations will contribute to Dubai’s green vision and contribute to reducing the emirate’s carbon footprint.”
Founded in 2006, Almaden has brought benefits to more than 18 GW solar modules worldwide. With substantial investment into its research and development, Almaden is set to launch its ground breaking ultrathin physically tempered solar glass (thickness less than 2.0mm), as well as anti-reflective coated solar glass and anti-glaring electronic glass. Almaden has branches in the United States, Germany, Australia and China with 1,500 employees worldwide.
A wholly-owned entity of the government of Dubai, DSO operates as a free zone technology park for large enterprises, medium and small companies looking to set up their offices in Dubai.