The Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has inaugurated Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s, (DEWA’s,) Innovation Centre and the 800MW third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world.
With a planned total capacity of 5,000MW by 2030, the Park features an investment of AED50 billion.
His Highness also visited the site of the 950MW fourth phase of the solar park, the world’s largest Concentrated Solar Power, (CSP),project, being developed at an investment of AED15.78 billion using the Independent Power Producer, IPP, model.
The fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is also the world’s largest single-site investment project, combines CSP with photovoltaic solar panels. The project features the world’s tallest solar power tower that will be 262.44 metres high.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was welcomed by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Al Tayer about the Innovation Centre, a global hub for renewable and clean energy innovation that is expected to contribute to shaping the global future of sustainable energy. The Centre houses an auditorium for events, conferences, and training programmes on solar power, renewable energy, and other green initiatives. The four-storey building covers 4,355 square metres and is 88 metres high. His Highness toured the
Innovation Centre’s exhibitions, which focus on solar power and its various technologies.
Through the Innovation Centre, DEWA aims to support innovation and creativity in clean and renewable energy, promote sustainability, develop Emirati talent and enhance the country’s competitive advantage in this sector.
The Innovation Centre’s research on solar power will support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to diversify the energy mix and provide 75% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.
During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed inaugurated the 800MW third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
DEWA built the third phase using the IPP model in partnership with a consortium led by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar, and EDF Group, through its subsidiary EDF Energies Nouvelles at an investment of AED3.47 billion.
The third phase provides clean energy for over 240,000 residences in Dubai. The facility is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region to use single axis solar tracking to increase energy generation. It also uses other innovative technologies including cleaning robots for photovoltaic panels to increase the plant’s efficiency.
The total capacity of operational projects at the Solar Park, which use photovoltaic solar panels, is 1,013MW. DEWA is creating an additional capacity of 1,850MW using solar panels and Concentrated Solar Power, CSP, in addition to future phases to reach 5,000MW by 2030.
Al Tayer explained that with the inauguration of the third phase, the share of clean energy in Dubai’s total power output has increased to 9%. This exceeds the target of Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 7% of power from clean energy by 2020.
Sheikh Mohammed concluded his tour by visiting the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Combining CSP and photovoltaic technology based on the IPP model, the fourth phase is the largest single-site CSP project in the world. The 950MW project, featuring an investment of AED15.78 billion, has the world’s tallest solar power tower measuring 262.44 metres in height.
“Inspired by the vision of the UAE leadership, the inauguration of the third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park marks a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving the UAE’s target of having 50 per cent of its power coming from clean energy by 2050,” said Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar.
“As the UAE prepares for ‘The Next 50 Years’, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will further strengthen the country’s position as a global leader in cost competitive renewable energy. This project is a prime example of how Masdar and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority are utilising the latest advances in clean energy technology to drive cost efficiencies and maximise return on investment.
“I would like to congratulate all the teams involved in Shua’a Energy 2 for the delivery of this pioneering, strategic project for the UAE. As we look forward to the next 50 years, our dream of a sustainable future for all generations is becoming a reality,” Al Jaber added.
