Bright prospects for solar

BYD Co Ltd has vowed to harness solar energy from deserts in the Middle East, with the construction of a 200 megawatt photovoltaic power station in the region, mainly focusing on energy storage projects.

The photovoltaic energy storage projects will not only make the best use of the region's abundant solar power, but also raise the profile of the Chinese electric car and battery maker in the region.

"We hope to bring our solar products and technologies, the energy storage projects, to optimize the photovoltaic as a more reliable and stable energy source," said Zhao Tong, general manager of Warren Buffett-backed BYD's solar division, during the 10th World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, which opened on Monday.

"Our involvement in the Middle East will help the region achieve affordable solar power generation, efficient energy storage and electric public transportation," Zhao said.

The United Arab Emirates is going through the process of building a six-square-kilometer clean-technology cluster at Masdar City, near Abu Dhabi.

BYD and Masdar earlier announced a partnership to commercialize clean transport and battery storage systems, including solar panel technology for utility-scale applications and rooftop projects, LED lighting and solar-powered street lighting.

According to Li Li, an energy research director at ICIS China, the cooperation will help connect the region's rich solar energy with BYD's expertise and technology in new energy products.