As the Module Import Duties and Economic Slowdowns are slowing up the pace of Developed Markets in Europe, North America and emerging economies like India and China, Africa which was less known in the Non - Hydro Renewable Arena, is slowly raising its significance and that too in the Solar Space.
First Solar, which is the largest manufacturer of Thin Film Modules and a leading solution provider for entire PV systems is all set to Tap the African Market. This fact is cemented by the appointment of Johan Cilliers, as Regional Director of Business Development for Sub-Saharan Africa and Managing Director of First Solar's new South Africa operating subsidiary.
He will be working in Capetown, where first Solar has recently opened a new office. Cilliers will report to Christopher Burghardt, Vice President of Business Development for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Cilliers has 25+ years of experience in the African region. He has previously worked with Suzlon as the vice president of sales and marketing in South Africa. He has also worked with General Electric, Siemens and Eskom in a wide range of roles including market development, sales and marketing, project development and financing.
It's Not Just First Solar -
According to Guardian News, Blue Energy Co. an Independent Power Producer, based in the UK, has plans to build the Largest Solar Project in Africa. This $400 Million, 155MW Solar Project will be built in Cocoa Capital of the World - Ghana.
The Project Named Nzema, is expected to install 630,000 PV modules and is moving forward in such a way that it will be commissioned by 2015. Also Recently Head of Renewable Energy of the Energy Commission, Mr Kwabena Otu-Danquah said that Ghana has increased it's target of renewable energy capacity from current 1% to 10% by 2020.
Data Written by Rahul R Prabhu
For any Quires please contact: rprabhu@renewindians.com
