Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), recently inspected the ongoing work at the 950MW 4th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The project is set to provide clean energy to about 320,000 homes and will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 1.6 million tonnes every year.
Al Tayer received updates from Noor Energy 1 officials about the progress of the 4th phase, which combines Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and photovoltaic technology. The first phase of the project is fully completed, while the second and third phases are nearing completion at 98.5% and 87.1%, respectively.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is the largest single-site solar park in the world with a planned total capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030. This ambitious project is in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, aiming to supply 100% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.
DEWA holds a 51% stake in Noor Energy 1, the project company responsible for designing, building, and operating the 4th phase of the solar park. ACWA Power holds a 25% stake, and the Chinese Silk Road Fund owns the remaining 24%.
The 4th phase employs three hybrid technologies, including 600MW from a parabolic basin complex, 100MW from the world’s tallest solar power tower at 262.44 meters, and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels. The project will boast the world’s largest thermal storage capacity of 15 hours, allowing for round-the-clock energy availability.
Current solar energy projects within the park already contribute to approximately 16.3% of Dubai’s energy mix, a figure expected to rise to 24% by 2026. DEWA is also working on other sustainable initiatives, including a 250MW hydroelectric power plant in Hatta and a Green Hydrogen project.
The 4th phase is anticipated to be completed by the first quarter of 2024. This milestone project underscores DEWA’s commitment to increasing the share of renewable and clean energy in Dubai’s power grid.