The fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park, was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
With a planned capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030, the Solar Park’s latest addition will generate 900 MW of clean energy, benefiting around 270,000 households in Dubai and reducing 1.18 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
The Solar Park was built with a total investment of AED50 billion ($13.6 billion), based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. Upon its completion, the Solar Park is projected to reduce 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Read more: UAE to soon operate one of the world’s largest solar plants
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that the UAE is leading global efforts to promote sustainability and combat climate change by taking tangible steps towards transitioning to renewable energy. The Year of Sustainability in 2023, which coincides with the UAE hosting COP28, highlights the country’s continued focus on sustainability and environmentally-friendly economic development. Completing the fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is a significant milestone in achieving the goal of a clean energy-powered economy, added Sheikh Mohammed.
Sheikh Mohammed further noted that Dubai has a clearly defined strategy and plan to attain its renewable energy targets of generating 25 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050, in line with the UAE’s vision.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), briefed His Highness about the fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which was implemented by DEWA using advanced solar photovoltaic bifacial technologies with Single Axis Tracking to enhance the plant’s energy production and efficiency.
Additionally, the project was constructed through the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, with a partnership between DEWA (60 percent) and a consortium led by ACWA Power and Gulf Investment Corporation (40 percent) via Shuaa Energy 3. DEWA set a world record by receiving the lowest bid of $1.6953 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the fifth phase.
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