Dubai has recently inaugurated the fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is now the largest single-site solar park in the world.
With a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030, the solar park currently has a capacity of 900 MW. This phase of the project aims to provide clean energy to around 270,000 residences in Dubai and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 1.18 million tonnes annually.
The project, implemented under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, is a collaboration between Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), which holds a 60% stake, and a consortium led by ACWA Power and Gulf Investment Corporation, holding a 40% stake through Shuaa Energy 3.
The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
DEWA achieved a significant milestone by receiving the lowest bid of $1.6953 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the fifth phase, setting a world record. ACWA Power, which has been involved in previous phases of the solar park, developed the 200 MW photovoltaic second phase launched in March 2017. Another project company, Noor Energy 1, was formed by DEWA and ACWA Power to design, build, and operate the 950 MW fourth phase.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, with a total investment of AED50 billion, is based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. It is anticipated to reduce 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually once fully completed. Notably, the fifth phase of the solar park incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) in an advanced robotic cleaning system for the maintenance and operation of photovoltaic panels, making it one of the first projects in the Middle East to do so.
Spanning approximately 10 square kilometers, the fifth phase is half the size of the 800 MW third phase. Combined with the previous phases, the total capacity of the solar energy projects commissioned at the solar park stands at 2,427 MW from photovoltaic solar panels and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP). Additionally, there are ongoing projects with a capacity of 433 MW from CSP. DEWA has increased the share of clean energy in Dubai’s energy mix to approximately 16.3% of the total installed capacity, which currently sits at 14,917 MW.
Dubai’s commitment to renewable energy aligns with the UAE’s vision of generating 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050. Through the development of a clear strategy and pathway, Dubai aims to meet these ambitious targets and contribute to a more sustainable future.
