SHAMS MAAN SOLAR PV POWER PLANT PROJECT

(50MW)

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY IN ENGLISH

14 July 2014
REV - 0

Non-Technical Summary in English Shams Maan Solar PV Power Plant Project

TABLE OF CONTENT
Table of Content ...................................................................................................................................................... i
1.

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1

2.

Project Alternatives ................................................................................................................................ 2

Project Description ..................................................................................................................................... 2

2.1

Project Setting......................................................................................................................................... 2

2.2

Project Components ............................................................................................................................... 3

2.3

Project Phases ......................................................................................................................................... 4

3.

ESIA, Stakeholder Engagement & Land Acquisition Process ...................................................................... 4

3.1

ESIA Process ............................................................................................................................................ 4

3.2

Jordanian Environmental Clearance Process .......................................................................................... 4

3.3

Stakeholder Engagement Process .......................................................................................................... 5

3.4

Land Acquisition Process ........................................................................................................................ 5

4.

Summary of Environmental and Social Baseline Conditions & Impacts ..................................................... 5

4.1

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 5

4.2

Environmental & Social Baseline Conditions & Impacts ......................................................................... 6

5.

Environmental & Social Management & Monitoring ............................................................................... 11

6.

Further Information & Contact Details ..................................................................................................... 11

Page | i

Non-Technical Summary in English Shams Maan Solar PV Power Plant Project

1. INTRODUCTION
As part of Jordans overall strategy to diversify energy resources and increase the share of renewable energy,
a number of renewable energy projects have been proposed by the private sector to the Ministry of Energy
and Mineral Resources (MEMR).
Shams Maan Power Generation PSC (hereafter referred to as the Developer) has been selected by MEMR for
the development of a 50 Mega Watt (MW) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power project (hereafter referred to as the
Project) in Maan Governorate.
This document provides a summary in non-technical language of the findings contained in the Environmental
and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report, which has been submitted to the Ministry of Environment
(MoEnv) for review. The Developer will be seeking financing for the Project from prospective lenders,
including International Financial Institutions (IFIs). Therefore, the ESIA has been also developed in accordance
with the International Finance Corporations (IFC) Policy on Social and Environmental Sustainability including
the IFC Performance Standards (PS) and the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Guidelines. The IFC
requirements have become the de facto international environmental and social performance benchmark for
project financing.
The ESIA Report contains more detailed information on the Project and the environmental and social issues
considered. It includes a description of the need for the Project; details of the Project and the main
alternatives considered; the assessment of the potential effects from the proposed development upon the
environment and community; and details of any required procedures to mitigate significantly adverse
environmental effects. It includes an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) which describes the
monitoring and mitigation requirements for the duration of the project, including responsibilities and any legal
requirements. The Developer commits to the ESMP.
A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has also been developed for the Project, which describes the planned
stakeholder consultation activities and engagement process.
This Non-Technical Summary (NTS) describes the Project, and summarizes the findings of the environmental
and social investigations conducted and the risks identified.
The Project will result in crucial positive environmental and economic impacts on the strategic and national
level given the current challenges the energy sector in Jordan is facing. Such positive impacts underpin
rationale for the project:

The Project allows for more sustainable development and shows the commitment of the Government of
Jordan to realizing its Energy Strategy and meeting the set targets for renewable energy sources;

The Project will contribute to increasing energy security through reliance on an indigenous, inexhaustible
and mostly import-independent energy resource. The expected electricity generation from the Project will
serve the average annual electricity needs of more than 30,000 local households;

The Project will produce clean energy which will contribute to lowering electricity generation costs when
compared to the current costs associated with liquid fuels, and thus leads to a decrease in the
Government of Jordans fiscal deficit; and

Generating electricity through PV power is rather pollution-free during operation. Compared with the
conventional way of producing electricity in Jordan, the clean energy produced is expected to reduce the
current consumption of liquid fuels, and will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
The Project will save more than 100,000 tons of Carbon dioxide emissions each year in Jordan.

Page | 1

Non-Technical Summary in English Shams Maan Solar PV Power Plant Project

1.1

Project Alternatives

During the projects development a number of alternatives have been identified and analyzed, including
project location, processes, technology and the no project alternative:

The Project location was assessed upon its proximity to the national grid and road network, the natural
landscape of the site, whether the land had any community value and the reasonable distance from any
sensitive receptors. All these factors informed the decision of the chosen Project location.

Other solar technologies (such as concentrated solar power), wind technology and thermal power plants
were considered as technological alternatives to solar PV power.

Project design alternatives were also considered, mainly related to water use and measures to maximize
water use efficiency at the Project site and reduce water consumption levels.

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1

Project Setting

The Project is located within Maan Governorate in the South of Jordan, approximately 200km south of the
capital city of Amman, 9km southeast of Maan city and 6 km northwest of AlMahata Village. The Project site
is near a major highway (Highway #5) which runs from Maan city to the Saudi Arabian Border in the South
(known as the Mudawwara Borders). An Industrial Park is located 1.5km north of the Project site. Figure A
below shows the Project location.
Figure A: Project Location

The Project site is 20 meters from an operating railway on the northern site boundary. The railway is operated
and managed by the Aqaba Railway Corporation (ARC) and transports phosphate from the mines in Maan
Governorate to Aqaba.

Page | 2

Non-Technical Summary in English Shams Maan Solar PV Power Plant Project

The Project is located within a Development Zone known as the Maan Development Area (MDA) which is
managed by the Maan Development Company (MDC). The MDC has allocated an area of 5km2 for the
development of solar power generation projects known as the Solar Park (highlighted in black in Figure A
above). Shams Maan has been allocated an area of 2km2 within the Solar Park (highlighted in red in the Figure
A above) for the development of their 50MW Project. The remaining 3km2 of the Solar Park will be developed
by eight other companies for a total generation capacity of 160MW.

2.2

Project Components

The key component of the Project are the power arrays which are composed of several Photovoltaic (PV)
panels which convert solar energy (radiation from the sun) into electricity.
The Project includes thirty four (34) power arrays distributed throughout the Project site where each array will
have about twenty thousand PV panels. Typical PV power arrays are shown in Figure B below.
Figure B: Typical PV Power Arrays Composed of PV Panels

The Project will also include underground cables which connect the power arrays with a collector station. The
collector station collects all the electricity from the underground cables and then connects with a substation,
which will connect to the National Grid 500m to the north of the Project site.
Other buildings and infrastructure needed onsite include:

Office buildings used for normal daily operational related work;

A warehouse for storage of equipment and machinery;

A road network for access to the site; and

On-site water reservoirs for drinking water and cleaning equipment.

The construction of the PV Project is anticipated to start in November 2014 and take approximately 15 months.
Operation of the Project is anticipated to start in January 2016 for a period of 20 years as agreed with MEMR.
The Project will provide approximately 500 jobs during the construction phase. Jobs will include engineers,
electrical and mechanical technicians and unskilled workers. During operation, the Project will provide
approximately 25 jobs, which will include skilled labour (such as electrical and mechanical technicians) and
unskilled labour (such as module cleaners and security personnel) for a duration of 20 years.

Page | 3

Non-Technical Summary in English Shams Maan Solar PV Power Plant Project

2.3

Project Phases

Planning and Construction Phase: This phase includes preparation of a detailed design for the Project,
planning and transportation of the various Project components to the site (e.g. PV modules), and onsite
preparation activities for installation of the PV arrays and various other components. Site preparation
activities could include excavations, grading, levelling, and land clearing activities.

Operations Phase: This phase involves maintenance of the PV Power Arrays and all the various electrical
equipment. This includes, for example, regular PV module cleaning to prevent dust build-up which could
affect their performance.

Decommissioning Phase: it is unclear whether MEMR would take ownership of the Project after 20 years
and continue operating it, or whether the Project will be completely decommissioned. In the case of
decommissioning of the Project, decommissioning activities could include the disconnection of the various
Project components for final disposal.

3. ESIA, STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT & LAND ACQUISITION PROCESS

3.1

ESIA Process

The ESIA has been prepared in accordance with the:

Jordanian environmental clearance process to obtain an environmental permit, and the legal framework
including the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation No. (37) of 2005;

IFC Policy on Social and Environmental Sustainability including the IFC Performance Standards (PS) and the
Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Guidelines which cover key areas of environmental and social
impacts and issues.

3.2

Jordanian Environmental Clearance Process

The process for environmental clearance and obtaining the environmental permit for this Project is stipulated
by the Environmental Protection Law No. (52) of 2006, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation No.
(37) of 2005", and the Instructions for Site Selection of Development Projects for the year 2012. This
comprises of a number of key steps:

Location/Site Approval Permit Application & Decision: The Developer applies to the MoEnv with the
intention to undertake a development project and the MoEnv determines the appropriateness of the site
for the proposed development.

Screening Decision/EIA Requirement: As part of the location/site approval permit decision, the MoEnv
determines whether or not an ESIA is required of the proposed development project and the nature of
this report.

EIA Study Phases: The ESIA comprises of 2 phases:

Scoping Phase: which includes the undertaking of a scoping session and submission of a Scoping
Report/Terms of Reference (ToR) approved by MoEnv for the study; and

Assessment Phase: which includes undertaking the baseline studies, evaluation and assessment of
impacts, and the development of an environmental management plan.

Approval of EIA: Upon submission of the ESIA document, the MoEnv reviews the report and either
approves the study and grants the environmental clearance and environmental permit for the Project or
rejects it.

The ESIA process for the Project has followed the environmental clearance process:
Page | 4

Non-Technical Summary in English Shams Maan Solar PV Power Plant Project

Location/Site Approval Permit & Screening Decision: the site has been approved by the MoEnv for the
development of the Project conditional that a comprehensive ESIA study is undertaken before
commencement of any construction or operational activities;

Scoping Phase: the scoping session for the Project was held on 1 April 2014 and the Scoping Report/ToR
was submitted to the MoEnv and was approved on 24 April 2014; and

Assessment Phase: The assessment phase has been carried out in accordance with the approved ToR by
the MoEnv.

3.3

Stakeholder Engagement Process

Stakeholder engagement is an integral part of ESIA good practice and is a statutory requirement of the
national EIA legal framework in Jordan and is a requirement of IFC PS1 1 , which set out certain
recommendations for stakeholder engagement to ensure that stakeholders are appropriately engaged on
environmental and social issues that could potentially affect them through a process of information disclosure
and meaningful consultation.
Stakeholder consultation and engagement has been carried out in accordance with the regulatory
requirements in Jordan and international best practice. A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has been
prepared to identify the key project stakeholders and define relevant procedures. Stakeholder engagement
will be implemented as an ongoing process involving the public disclosure of appropriate information so as to
enable meaningful consultation with stakeholders and potentially affected parties who can raise their
comments or complaints in line with the procedures set in the SEP.

3.4

Land Acquisition Process

The Project site is located within the Maan Development Area (MDA) and specifically within the Solar Park.
The land parcels are owned by the Maan Development Company (MDC). The Developer has signed a Land
Lease Agreement with the MDC for leasing of the Project site for the required development over the Project
duration. Therefore the Developer will undertake no land acquisition, and there will be no involuntary
resettlement nor economic displacement will be undertaken as part of this project.

4. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE CONDITIONS & IMPACTS

4.1

Introduction

The environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) comprised of environmental and social baseline
studies and an assessment of impacts. Mitigation measures were identified for potential significant effects
and the significance of residual effects determined. The impact assessment followed an assessment
methodology developed to reflect current best practice.
The ESIA has provided the engineers and designers with important information regarding the sensitivities of
baseline environmental and social resources that could be affected by the proposed development. The
resulting design proposal has been developed to take account of these sensitivities and avoid negative
environmental effects wherever possible. The key baseline and impact assessment findings are further
discussed below.

IFC Performance Standard One: Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts; January 2012. pg 7-9.

Page | 5

Non-Technical Summary in English Shams Maan Solar PV Power Plant Project

4.2
(i)

Environmental & Social Baseline Conditions & Impacts

Landscape and Visual

The Project area is characterized by fairly flat surfaces shown in Figure C and is classified as a desert-like
habitat that is barren and mostly covered with Chert Pebbles, with scattered vegetation strips. Views towards
the northern parts of the site are limited to the Highway #5, High Voltage National Grid, Railway, and the
Industrial Park while views towards the south, east, and west are limited to the desert stretch. The Project
area does not have any key sensitive visual receptors.
Figure C: General Topography and Landscape of the Project Site

The key impacts from the Project development are limited to the operation phase and which include impacts
from project visibility and impacts from glare, both of which are discussed below.
Although there is expected to be a visual impact of the project, there are no key sensitive visual receptors
within the surrounding vicinity of the Project site, and such impacts are considered to be of minor significance.
The cumulative impacts from the various PV development projects of the Solar Park are similar to this Project
in specific and are also considered of minor significance.
There is potential for glare from the PV panels, as shown in Figure D below, which may affect the operator of
the train and commuters along Highway #5. This impact is expected to be temporary and of minor
significance. The cumulative impacts from the various PV development projects of the Solar Park area are
similar to this Project in specific and are also considered of minor significance
Mitigation to avoid any impacts on receptors recommends that the Developer coordinates with the other
developers of the Solar Park to inform the Aqaba Railway Corporation about the potential for glare in the area,
as well as the Maan Public Works Directorate to install informative signs on Highway#5 for commuters.

Page | 6

Non-Technical Summary in English Shams Maan Solar PV Power Plant Project

Figure D: Typical Glare from PV Panels

(ii)

Land Use

The Project site location does not conflict with any land use planning as set by the various governmental
institutions (such as the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, etc.).
Consultation with relevant local governmental institutions and the local community concluded that the Project
site and the Solar Park area is not considered of any specific value to the local community and is not utilized
for any specific purpose (such as agricultural activities). In addition, the area is not known for nomadic or
semi-nomadic settlements given the natural characteristics of the site (being a desert area that is arid and
barren with no water resources).
There are no anticipated impacts from the Project in relation to land use. Similarly, there are no cumulative
impacts from the various PV development projects of the Solar Park area.

(iii)

Geology, Hydrology, and Hydrogeology

A wadi intersects within the Project site known as Wadi Aqeeqa. This wadi is generated from high land and
then spreads to several branches which merge and diverge in and near the Project area location as shown in
Figure E below.
This wadi has only seasonal floods of short duration and drains mostly eastward towards the railway and
Highway#5. The Project site is therefore subject to potential risk of local flood hazards during the rainy season
and especially during flash flood events.

Page | 7

Non-Technical Summary in English Shams Maan Solar PV Power Plant Project

Figure E: Wadi System within the Project Site

To this extent, the MDC has requested that each developer within the Solar Park undertake an individual flood
risk study for the specific project site to provide measures to mitigate flood risks. Nevertheless, it is
recommended that a holistic approach is adopted by the MDC in coordination with the various developers
within the Solar Park area for managing and mitigating flood risks, given the generic nature of such risks on all
developments. Such a holistic approach could include the undertaking of one flood risk study for the entire
Solar park area.
During the construction and operation phase, improper housekeeping practices (e.g. improper management
of waste streams, improper storage of hazardous materials, etc.) could contaminate and pollute soil which in
turn could pollute groundwater resources. Mitigation measures to control such impacts and ensure proper
housekeeping practices are outlined in the Projects ESMP. Any cumulative impacts from the various PV
development projects of the Solar Park are similar to this Project and can be managed through similar
mitigation measures identified within each Projects ESIA and ESMP.

(iv)

Biodiversity

The sites habitat is considered barren and of low ecological significance due to its natural setting. There are
no protected animal, plant or bird species within the Project site, nor is the Project site located within or near
an area of environmental concern.
The area is considered to be disturbed by human activities and this could also affect the biodiversity of the site.
This includes factors such as the presence of a nearby highway and railway and other projects in the wider
area such as mining and the Industrial Park.
Site preparation activities during construction may disturb existing habitats, however these impacts are
considered to be minor due to the sites low ecological significance.
Mitigation measures for impacts to biodiversity have been identified, such as good housekeeping, and these
measures will be implemented throughout the construction and operation phase of the Project. Any
Page | 8

Non-Technical Summary in English Shams Maan Solar PV Power Plant Project

cumulative impacts from the various PV development projects of the Solar Park are similar to this Project and
can be managed through similar mitigation measures identified within each Projects the ESIA and ESMP.

(v)

Archeology and Cultural Heritage

The Project site is devoid of any important or significant archeological or cultural remains. However, within
the Solar Park area, there are two locations where remains were recorded and which must be protected:

An Ottoman military camp site (recorded approximately 700m outside of the Project site to the west)
which was used during the building of the Hejaz Railway; and

A watchtower (recorded around 80m outside of the Project site to the east) which relates to the defense
system of the Hejaz Railway.

In order that these remains are not damaged during construction, mitigation measures have been identified to
ensure proper management of construction activities and to prevent damage to those sites and ensuring
appropriate code of conduct by construction workers.
There is the potential for remains of archaeological importance to be discovered during construction. An
appropriate chance finds procedure will be implemented should such remains in the ground be discovered
throughout the construction phase.
Any cumulative impacts from the various PV development projects of the Solar Park are similar to this Project
and can be managed through similar mitigation measures identified within each Projects ESIA and ESMP.

(vi)

Air Quality and Noise

Air quality and noise levels are all currently within the legal limits at the Project site.
Construction activities may produce an increased level of dust and particulate matter emissions, which will
temporarily impact ambient air quality. The use of machinery and equipment are expected to be a source of
noise and vibration within the Project site and its surroundings. The dust control and suppression measures as
well as noise suppression measures have been identified to control such impacts.
Any cumulative impacts from the various PV development projects of the Solar Park are similar to this Project
and can be managed through similar mitigation measures identified within each Projects ESIA and ESMP.

(vii)

Infrastructures and Utilities

Water Resources and Utilities water supply to this Project will most likely be from MDC through the water
supply system to the Industrial Park which includes a pipeline from the local water network and two water
wells located within the Industrial Park. A license has been granted from the Ministry of Water and Irrigation
for drilling and operation of the wells and the water supply is considered to be able to cope with the demands
of the Project.
Wastewater and Solid Waste Utilities Wastewater from the Project will most likely be disposed at a
wastewater treatment plant located within the Industrial Park which has sufficient capacity. Solid waste from
the Project will most likely be disposed at the Maan Central Landfill Site. Both facilities can adequately
handle waste produced by the Project.
Hazardous Waste Utilities Hazardous waste from the Project will likely be disposed at the Swaqa Hazardous
Waste Treatment Facility. Of particular importance is the disposal of the PV panels at the decommissioning
phase. Such panels will be considered hazardous and electronic waste by the Ministry of Environment and
Page | 9

Non-Technical Summary in English Shams Maan Solar PV Power Plant Project

must be disposed at hazardous waste facilities and will be of significant number (around 700,000). It is
unknown whether the Swaqa Facility would be able to accept such quantities in twenty years time. The ESIA
and ESMP recommends that a disposal plan be developed before commencement of the decommissioning
phase; the Plan must first opt for disposing the panels as part of panels suppliers global recycling program
whom offers collection and recycling services for their end-of-life PV modules. As a last option the plan must
investigate the disposal at hazardous waste facilities through coordination with the MoEnv.
Road network Project components will be transported to the port of Aqaba and then transported by road to
the Project site, which must be managed so as to not affect traffic flow on the highway. The ESIA and ESMP
recommends that a Transport Study is developed before commencement of any transportation activities to
ensure that the transportation process is properly and adequately managed in coordination with the relevant
entities.
Railway Improper management and movement of vehicles and machinery into/out of the site during the
construction and operation phase could damage the railway. The MDC has agreed to construct a road to cross
the railway. There will be a railway signal on the junctions between the road and railway to instruct the user of
the road not to pass when the train is near.
The ESIA also investigated the cumulative impacts from the various PV developments within the Solar Park;
such cumulative impacts are unlikely to entail any constraints on the infrastructure and utility elements
discussed above and can be controlled through the similar mitigation measures identified within the ESIA. Any
cumulative impacts from the various PV development projects of the Solar Park are similar to this Project and
can be managed through similar mitigation measures identified within each Projects ESIA and ESMP.

(viii)

Socio-economic Conditions

The main socio-economic conditions of those local communities near the Project site (mainly Maan City and
Al-Mahata village) can be summarized as follows:

Maan city has a population of around 33,000 while Al-Mahata Village is around 300. The main livelihood
and employment patterns of those local communities include public services (public administration offices
and civilian central government) as well as industry and commerce (mainly limited to small economic
establishments that engage in retail trade of commodities);

One of the main socio-economic challenges facing those communities is unemployment. This is attributed
to several reasons, which includes amongst others: (i) lack of governmental and private sector investment
projects that can employ labour, (ii) the development projects that were targeted for the area were weak
and several of those projects failed to employ local community members; and

The local community expressed their concern on the lack of qualified training and capacity building
programs in the area. Based on several past experiences by the local community, several Vocational
Training Centers (VTC) were established with the objective of providing training and capacity building in
the hope of providing employment opportunities in development projects. Such VTCs failed to deliver the
required qualifications to local community, and thus they were not employed within such development
projects as they were considered incompetent.

The Project is expected to create around 500 job opportunities during the construction phase for a duration of
approximately 15 months and around 25 job opportunities during the operation phase for a duration of 20
years.
The Developer is committed to social responsibly as its aiming to hire to the greatest extent possible local
community members throughout the construction and operation phase, and is also considering other social
responsibility aspects to the local community.
Nevertheless, given that the Project is part of the Solar Park where other PV developers will be operating it is
highly recommended that the various PV developers, along with MDC, collaborate and collectively develop
Page | 10

Non-Technical Summary in English Shams Maan Solar PV Power Plant Project

and adopt a holistic social Action Plan for the area. Such collaboration is favored over individual planning and
implementation by each developer because it is more likely to bring a greater and more sustainable benefit to
the local community. Details of the potential action plan are provided in the ESIA report.

(ix)

Occupational Health and Safety

During the construction and operation phase there will be generic occupational health and safety risks to
workers, such as working on construction sites, exposure electric shock hazards during maintenance activities,
etc.
The Developer has prepared a detailed Occupational Health and Safety Manual to ensure the health and
safety of all personnel in order to concur and maintain a smooth and proper progress of work at the site and
prevent accident which may injure personnel.

(x)

Community Health, Safety, and Security

The risk of trespassing by unauthorized personnel into the Project site could result in potential risks from
several hazards of the various Project components (e.g. electric shock, exposure to chemicals and hazardous
materials, etc). To mitigate such impacts, the Developer will be installing a non-electric fence around the
entire facility to control trespassing of unauthorized personnel. In addition, there will be two security guards
whom will be available onsite on a 24hour/ 7day basis.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL MANAGEMENT & MONITORING

The ESIA contains an outline plan for managing and monitoring the environmental and social impacts during
construction, operation and decommissioning of the Project. Monitoring will form an important part of the
implementation and operation of the project. In accordance with the EIA Regulation No. (37) of 2005, the
Regulator (being MoEnv), will be responsible for undertaking compliance monitoring to ensure that the
responsible entity is adhering to the ESMP requirements.
During both construction and operation, certain activities, indicators and environmental and social resources
will be monitored. Monitoring may include observation and recording, or may include data gathering and
sampling. Monitoring reports will be required from the Contractor and Operator during the construction and
operational phases. The monitoring results will be useful for assessing the long term cumulative effects, if any.
If ongoing problems occur, adaptive mitigation measures can be developed and implemented.

6. FURTHER INFORMATION & CONTACT DETAILS

Full project preparation documents, including the ESIA, its respective annexes, including the ESMP and SEP are
available on the Developer website (insert website). In addition, hard copies are available at the Ministry of
Environment, Maan Development Company (Maan and Amman Office), Greater Maan Municipality, and
Maan Governorate.
Contact details for the Project are:
[Insert Shams Maan Contact Details]

Page | 11