Saudi Aramco said Tuesday that it has signed a letter of intent with Japanese refiner Showa Shell to study the feasibility of generating solar power using proprietary Showa Shell technology in Saudi Arabia. Under the agreement, the companies plan to build pilot plants to test solar electricity technologies, especially those that can connect to the existing Saudi grid (IOD Jun.25,p5). Aramco engineers will receive specialized training at Showa Shell's solar energy plant under a program designed by both firms. "There are promising opportunities to reduce power generation and transmission costs, particularly in the kingdom's rural areas and for remote industrial facilities and installations," Aramco Senior Vice President for Refining Khalid al-Buainain said.
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