A fastener developed from experience gained in the Mojave Desert is being used in the construction of a major solar power plant in Egypt.

Alcoa Fastening Systems has won the contract to supply one of its specialised fastening systems to a major solar power plant in Egypt.

The company has secured the deal with the organisation behind the Kuraymat integrated solar combined cycle power station located 90km south of Cairo.

The power generation process at the Kuryamat plant, due for completion in 2009, starts by solar panels (U-shaped parabolic glass mirrors) tracking the sun from east to west.

Once at 393C, fluid in an absorber pipe on the panel is pumped into a heat exchange system to create steam.

This steam is then super-heated to power turbines and generate electricity.

The solar input will account for 20MW of the plant's 150MW output.

Subject to harsh desert conditions (+45C during the day and -30C in the evening), the fastening solution used in the construction of the platform to support the mirror structures could not be compromised.

In response, and drawing on previous experience from work carried out in the Mojave Desert, the European design team at AFS developed the C50L30 Huck fastener.

The advantages offered to the Kuryamat application are outlined by Dean Bradley, AFS Sales Manager for the UK, Ireland and South Africa and responsible for customer liaison with NREA.

He says: "Because of the extreme weather conditions during construction and operation; where the mirrors invert to protect the glass during winter sand storms; as well as radical variations in temperature threatening thermal loosening of the fastener, our aim was to assure the joint's integrity".

"Consequently, the solution we are providing through a combined European team effort will be quick and easy to install, require no maintenance and meet the 30 year warranty as specified in the original design".

In addition, Bradley highlights the significance AFS place on the environment and renewable and energy.

He continues: "Environmental responsibility is core to our business ethics".

"Through our parent company Alcoa, we support the Green Power Market Development Group, a collaboration of 13 leading corporations and the World Resources Institute dedicated to building corporate markets for green power".

"So not only are we a supplier to the Kuryamat plant but also an advocate of the objectives they aim to achieve".