Boeing

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Boeing $1 million to act as prime contractor on a system definition study that will analyze the feasibility and development of a natural gas/solar power plant in Egypt. The project is a joint effort between the United States, Israel and Egypt.

The project, known as Noor Al Salam, or Light of Peace, is an outgrowth of the U.S/Israel Science and Technology Commission (USISTC) formed by President Clinton and the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. The funding comes from in the form of a USAID grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

"We are honored to play a role in this project," said Robert D. Paster, vice president & general manager, Boeing Electronic Systems & Missile Defense. "We're looking forward to working side by side with Israeli and Egyptian industry as we explore the wide-reaching benefits that solar technology and renewable energy can bring to these countries, as well as the world."

As prime contractor for the study, Boeing will work with the Israeli and Egyptian industry to bring together available technologies from the three countries. The purpose of the study is to develop a system design for a solar-based power plant capable of providing a renewable source of energy to Egypt, Israel and neighboring countries.

The study will last for six months. Following the study it is expected that the trilateral partnership will work together to implement the system design and construct the plant at a location in the Egyptian desert, near the Red Sea.

The Boeing Electronic Systems & Missile Defense business will lead the effort. Work will be performed at the Boeing facility in Huntsville, Ala.