Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Boosts Renewable Energy Capacity by 800 Megawatts
Dubai's Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park's total capacity reaches 3,860 megawatts, contributing significantly to the city's renewable energy goals.
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced that the total production capacity of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has increased to 3,860 megawatts, following the addition of 800 megawatts since the beginning of 2023 through the sixth phase of the project.
Clean energy now comprises approximately 21.5% of DEWA’s total energy production capacity.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, indicated that the authority's strategies and operational plans are inspired by the vision and directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable green economy and to establish Dubai as a leading global hub for clean and renewable energy.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is central to DEWA's efforts in achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Carbon Neutrality Strategy 2050 for the Emirate of Dubai, which aims to derive 100% of the emirate's energy production from clean sources by 2050. By 2030, the solar park's capacity is expected to reach 7,260 megawatts, enabling clean energy to constitute 34% of DEWA's energy mix, which is projected to result in a reduction of total carbon dioxide emissions by around 8 million tons annually.
The first phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, featuring a capacity of 13 megawatts through photovoltaic solar panels, began operations in October 2013. The second phase was inaugurated in March 2017, featuring a capacity of 200 megawatts, marking the first solar project of its kind in the region under the independent power producer model.
In November 2020, the third phase was launched with a capacity of 800 megawatts using photovoltaic solar technology, recognized as the first project of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa to employ a single-axis solar tracking system to enhance energy productivity.
The fourth phase, inaugurated in December 2023, has a capacity of 950 megawatts using both concentrated solar power and photovoltaic technologies, utilizing three combined technologies: parabolic trough systems with an overall capacity of 600 megawatts, a solar tower with a capacity of 100 megawatts, and photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 250 megawatts.
In June 2023, the fifth phase of the park was unveiled with a capacity of 900 megawatts from photovoltaic solar panels.
DEWA is currently working on completing the sixth phase of the solar park with a capacity of 1,800 megawatts utilizing photovoltaic solar technology.
DEWA has invited global developers to take part in implementing the seventh phase of the park, which will have a capacity of 1,600 megawatts, potentially increased to 2,000 megawatts, utilizing photovoltaic technology combined with a 1,000-megawatt battery energy storage system designed for six hours and an overall capacity of 6,000 megawatt-hours, positioning this phase to be among the largest projects globally that integrate solar energy with battery storage solutions.