First Solar, Inc. and China Guangdong Nuclear Solar Energy Development Co., Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of Phase 1 of the previously announced solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Ordos, Inner Mongolia.
The agreement represents an important step forward for the Ordos project, following First Solar's MOU with the Ordos Government in September, 2009, and the Chinese government's recent approval of the pre-feasibility study for Phase 1 in September 2010. First Solar President Bruce Sohn and CGN SEDC President Han Qinghao signed the MOU at a ceremony in Beijing today.
Under the terms of the MOU, First Solar and CGN SEDC will work together to execute the 30 MW AC first-phase demonstration project. CGN SEDC will be the majority project owner and operator, performing the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) functions for the project. First Solar will supply its advanced thin-film solar PV modules to the project and will support CGN SEDC with EPC and O&M advisory services.
"First Solar is honored to be working on the Ordos project with CGN SEDC, a company with demonstrated leadership, expertise and experience. We look forward to working together to make the Ordos project a reality and to contributing to China's renewable energy goals and market development," said Sohn.
"We are very pleased to be partnering with First Solar, a global leader in solar PV technology, in developing the first significant solar project to adopt advanced thin-film technology in China," commented Han Qinghao.
The Ordos project represents the first large-scale solar collaboration between China and the United States and an example of China-U.S. bilateral cooperation on renewable energy.