J.v.G. Thoma builds new solar plant in Nigeria

Highly sophisticated solar technology instead of black gold: Why in future solar energy could be a blessing for NigeriaSolar plants “made” by J.v.G. Thoma are found meanwhile all around the world. J.v.G. Thoma reports now the contract of the first complete plant with Desert process in Nigeria. It will “bring” 10 MW. The installation there is slated for June/July 2013.In the new plant, however, not only the Desert technology is to be implemented, but also the leading hybrid modules. And that too, based on the new 2-mm-technology. The hybrid modules from J.v.G. Thoma were patented in 2013. They are being promoted through various ZIM projects, namely the Central Innovation Program SME (Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand).What is special about Glass-Glass-Glass modulesThese modules more robust than the conventional modules, because they are covered on the rear side not with a film, but with an approximately two millimetres thick glass lay- er. This provides optimal protection on the front as well as on the back sides.Hybrid modules: high-performance double deckersThese are modules which have a thermal collector on the rear side. Warm water can be produced thus directly or a geothermal exchanger can be integrated.Why mineral oil is making Nigeria poorIf any noise is typical for the country, then is disastrous. Sometimes power failures last not only for hours, but for days together or even for weeks. Nigeria has also large oil reserves, but these have brought in more misery than prosperity during the last few decades. As a result of the oil production serious environmental contamination has occurred; there is widespread pollution of water, air and ground. Many are killed due to explosions. In 2010 a damaged pipeline caused leakage of nearly 3000 barrels oil that destroyed one of the largest mangrove forests of the earth. Many people felt, oil is also the reason why for a long time no one thought about alternative sources of energy. Saving power? Many people don’t even think about it (yet).Solar energy for Nigeria – an alternative?With 300 sunny days in a year, the initial conditions for solar energy are excellent – if they withstand the temperatures like the De- sert modules from J.v.G. Thoma do. The state itself does not promote solar energy, but at least it is under discussion. An ambitious goal of the government which is also consi- dering atomic energy is to cover 50 percent of the energy in the coming 30 years through renewable resources. 27.06.2013, J.v.G. Thoma/jvg-thoma.de