ECN to advise Kuwait

Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) will become advisor of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). ECN will offer KISR advice and support in setting up and equipping a test facility for Photovoltaic (PV) systems. On 1 February ECN and KISR signed a technical cooperation agreement for this purpose. KISR will use this test facility to test solar panels and accompanying electronics for efficiency and endurance under extreme Kuwaiti conditions.

KISR is still at the early stage of sustainable technology research in Kuwait. Kuwait currently does not produce electricity with PV systems. The government of Kuwait commissioned KISR, an organisation that is similar to ECN, to acquire knowledge about PV. The ultimate goal of KISR is to be able to advise the industry and consumers of Kuwait on PV.

Training
The advisory activities also include training of staff at KISR, the Ministry of Electricity and Water, and the Ministry of Education. Last January a delegation of ECN visited Kuwait to give a training on PV systems. ECN will also cooperate with KISR in developing a roadmap for sustainable energy.

It offers both KISR and ECN an excellent opportunity to test different solar panels in practise under the extreme weather conditions of a desert area, involving heat, sand and cold. It is the intention to conduct more joint projects in the field of sustainable energy in the future. Technologies that have reached a mature stage at ECN can subsequently be implemented in Kuwait. The collaboration with KISR is not only an important link in the sale of ECN know-how to Kuwait; it is also a boost for the Dutch economy.

The first contacts with ECN were made in 2009. Representatives of KISR came in contact with ECN employees after attending a presentation held by ECN Solar at a Solar conference. After some exploratory discussions it soon became clear that ECN has a lot to offer to KISR.

About KISR
KISR is an institute that promotes scientific and applied research. KISR has a staff of about 1000 employees. Research in the field of sustainable energy is a relatively new area for KISR. KISR has been working on building a new test facility since July 2010, which is expected to enter into operation halfway 2011, partly thanks to technical support received from Petten.

About ECN
The Energy research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) is the largest research institute in the Netherlands in the field of energy and holds a strong international position. With its energy research, ECN focuses on a sustainable energy system: safe, reliable and environment-friendly. ECN develops knowledge and strategies for the Dutch government and trade and industry and transfers them to the market. Three basic elements are distinguished (the so-called trias energetica), i.e. reducing energy demand by means of energy saving, generating energy from sustainable sources and clean and efficient use of fossil fuels. ECN also conducts research on future opportunities and economic backgrounds in the field of energy.

More information
For more information please contact ECN Engineering & Services:
Bas Wardenaar, telephone: +31 (0) 224-56 4632 or e-mail: wardenaar@remove-this-part-ecn.nl.

 

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