Solar Power in Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed Inaugurates $4.3 Billion Energy Project
Dubai will have the world’s largest concentrated solar power (CSP) project in the world as it looks to lead charge on renewable energy.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the project, within the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai.
Built at an investment of AED15.78bn ($4.3bn), using the independent power producer (IPP) model, the project features the tallest solar tower in the world, at 263.126 metres, and the largest thermal energy storage capacity with a capacity of 5,907 megawatt hours (MWh), according to the Guinness World Records.
Solar power in Dubai
The 950-megawatt (MW) fourth phase is the largest investment project that uses three hybrid technologies:
- 600MW from a parabolic basin complex
- 100MW from the CSP tower
- 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels
Sheikh Mohammed said: “The UAE has a clear vision to transform itself into one of the world’s most sustainable nations.
“Our journey towards sustainability is comprehensive, encompassing advanced clean energy projects across diverse renewable sources, and innovative solutions integrated into various spheres of the economy and society.
“The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is at the heart of Dubai and the UAE’s commitment to create a world-class infrastructure for sustainability and a robust foundation for building an environmentally friendly future.
“Coming at the culmination of the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, the launch of the fourth phase of the Solar Park is an important milestone in our sustainability journey.
“Our success in creating the world’s largest concentrated solar project underscores our determination to advance climate action and aligns with the goals of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), which the UAE is currently hosting.
“Driven by the objectives of the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, we continue to expand our sustainable energy mix and embrace renewable and alternative energies, shaping not only our nation’s future but also contributing significantly to the global effort to combat climate change.
“Our dedication to sustainability is a testament to our resolve to contribute to fostering a resilient and prosperous future for all of humanity.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council and a number of ministers, director generals of Dubai government departments and senior officials.
Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
Sheikh Mohammed was briefed about the project by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
The fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which covers an area of 44 square kilometres, uses three hybrid technologies: 600MW from a parabolic basin complex, 100MW from the CSP tower, and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels.
The project features 70,000 heliostats that track the sun’s movement.
أطلقنا بحمدالله أكبر مشروع للطاقة الشمسية المركزة والطاقة الكهروضوئية في العالم في دبي .. المشروع يمتد على مساحة 44 كم مربع وبتكلفة تتجاوز 15 مليار درهم ويضم أعلى برج للطاقة الشمسية المركزة في العالم على ارتفاع 263 متر ويضم أيضا أكبر سعة تخزينية للطاقة الحرارية في العالم ..… pic.twitter.com/GLGl8sY4UF
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 6, 2023
