By DUBAI — Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has released a call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for the 800MW phase three of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
The project, which is based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, is another achievement that will put Dubai and the UAE at the forefront of the countries in the region in producing renewable and clean energy.
Dubai is making significant and steady progress in increasing dependence on renewable and clean energy. DEWA has increased the share of renewable energy targets in Dubai’s energy mix to 7% by 2020 and 15% by 2030, and doubled the capacity of phase two of the Solar Park from 100 to 200MW. DEWA will start accepting Expression of Interest proposals from international developers by end of September 2015. The project’s tender is expected to be released in Q4 of 2015.
“DEWA’s strategy for future projects is inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that nothing is impossible. We derive this spirit from His Highness to achieve the ambition of Dubai to become number one worldwide. After getting the lowest global cost of production of photovoltaic (PV) energy for the second phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, and doubling its capacity from 100 to 200 megawatts, we are pleased to announce the third project with a capacity of 800 megawatts. We are on the right track to achieve the Solar Park’s total capacity of 3,000 megawatts,” said Al Tayer.
“We are determined to continue building and developing a greener economy, to achieve the UAE Vision 2021 to achieve a sustainable environment in terms of air quality, conserving water resources, more reliance on clean energy, and implementing green development. We support the long-term Green Economy for Sustainable Development National initiative to build a green economy in the UAE. We also support the Dubai Plan 2021 to establish Dubai as a smart and sustainable city, whose environmental elements are clean, healthy, and sustainable. Our efforts also complement the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 to diversify energy sources to include 71% from natural gas, 15% from solar energy, 7% from clean coal, and 7% from nuclear power. We are inspired in our resolve to achieve these ambitious goals from our wise leadership who support the plan to diversify our energy mix to ensure energy security, and build a sustainable, green future, for generations to come,” added Al Tayer.
DEWA manages and operates the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is one of the largest strategic renewable energy projects in the world that is based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. The 13MW first phase became operational in October 2013. The 200MW second phase of the Solar Park, which will be operational by 2017.
In addition to generating electricity using PV panels, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park hosts a number of world-class facilities. These include a solar testing facility to study and evaluate the performance, long-term stability and reliability of the panels under actual local weather conditions. It also collaborates with international organisations on soiling and dust mitigation on PV equipment. The tests that are currently being performed will set a baseline for the development of specifications, tests and standards for PV equipment in the region. The Solar Park includes a Research and Development Centre (R&D), a solar-testing facility, an innovation centre, a university, and a training centre.
“To achieve our vision to become a sustainable world class utility, we are working to establish sustainability, which is the roadmap that secures a brighter and happier future for Dubai, by launching distinguished world-class initiatives and projects in green development,” concluded Al Tayer.
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