His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the world’s most extensive project dedicated to concentrated solar power and photovoltaic energy.
Read more: UAE to soon operate one of the world’s largest solar plants
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted Dubai’s commitment to achieving 100 percent clean energy production capacity by 2050. He further reiterated the goal of attaining carbon neutrality by the same year.
In a post on social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed announced that the project covers a vast area of 44 square kilometers and has been funded with an investment exceeding AED15 billion (roughly $4 billion). Notably, the project includes the world’s tallest concentrated solar tower, towering at 263 meters, and possesses the largest thermal energy storage capacity on a global scale. Moreover, projections indicate that this initiative will result in an annual reduction of over 1.6 million tonnes of carbon emissions.
Furthermore, Sheikh Mohammed further emphasized the city’s ambition, stating, “Our objective is for Dubai’s entire energy production capacity to be derived from clean sources by 2050. We are resolute in our pursuit of full carbon neutrality by the same year. We reaffirm our unwavering dedication to investing in clean energy, addressing climate change, and safeguarding the environment for future generations.”
Huge capacity
According to the Guinness World Records, the fourth phase of the project is the largest investment endeavor, with a capacity of 950 megawatts (MW) and a total cost of AED15.78 billion. This phase incorporates three hybrid technologies, including a parabolic basin complex generating 600MW, a CSP tower generating 100MW, and photovoltaic solar panels generating 250MW. Notably, this project features the world’s tallest solar tower, standing at an impressive height of 263.126 meters, and boasts the largest thermal energy storage capacity, capable of storing 5,907 megawatt hours (MWh). The project was developed under the independent power producer (IPP) model.
Dignitaries present
Accompanied by various esteemed individuals, including His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received a warm welcome from HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
During the visit, H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was provided with a comprehensive briefing about the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which spans an area of 44 square kilometers. This phase incorporates three hybrid technologies: a parabolic basin complex generating 600MW, a CSP tower generating 100MW, and photovoltaic solar panels generating 250MW. Notably, the project features an impressive array of 70,000 heliostats that precisely track the movement of the sun.
Three combined technologies
In the fourth phase of the Solar Park, three combined technologies are utilized to generate clean energy. This includes a parabolic basin complex, consisting of three units each generating 200MW, resulting in a total capacity of 600MW. Additionally, there is a solar power tower, which holds the distinction of being the tallest in the world and operates on Molten Salt technology, producing 100MW. The remaining 250MW is generated through photovoltaic solar panels.
Central component
The central component of the CSP plant is the Molten Salt Receiver (MSR) situated atop the solar power tower. This highly important element absorbs solar radiation and converts it into thermal energy. Comprising over 1,000 thin tubes, the MSR facilitates the absorption and transfer of sunrays to the molten salt contained within. The completion of this project will provide approximately 320,000 residences with clean and sustainable energy, while also significantly reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 1.6 million tonnes annually. Dubai’s role as a prominent global hub for clean, renewable energy and climate action will be further enhanced through this endeavor.
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