DUBAI: The 2nd phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Part at Seih Al Dahal, Dubai, was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The Dh1.5 billion solar plant generates 200 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power 50,000 household, and reduces Dubai’s carbon emission by over 200,000 tones.

Sheikh Mohammed toured the exhibition that displays Dewa’s projects and initiatives in the field of clean energy since 2011.

Dewa CEO and MD Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer welcomed Sheikh Mohammed’s long-term vision for clean energy, which directly contributes to the efforts aiming to secure community happiness and welfare.

Present at the ceremony were Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The 3 Phases

1st Phase: The 13MW first phase became operational on 22 October 2013, and the project contributed to a major reduction of carbon emissions in adherence with the Clean Development Mechanism. The first phase is built up of about 153,000 PV cells, connected to 13 transformers in inverter buildings. The output is transformed to 33 kilovolts (kV), and generates 24 million kWh of electricity annually. The first phase contributes to an annual reduction of about 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. The surface area of the project covers 280,000 square metres.

2nd Phase: The 20MW second phase 2 of the solar park is the largest and first project of its kind in the region’s solar energy sector, based on the IPP model. The project was implemented through a partnership with the consortium led by ACWA Power from Saudi Arabia, and Spain’s TSK, with an investment of Dh1.2 billion. The project will provide clean energy to 50,000 residences in the emirate, reducing 214,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. This phase installed 2.3 million photovoltaic (PV) solar panels over an area of 4.5 square kilometres.

3rd Phase: In June 2016, Dewa announced the selection of the Masdar-led consortium as the best bidder to develop the 800MW third phase of the solar park. Dewa set another world record by obtaining the lowest recorded US$2.99 cents per kW/h for the third phase of the park, which will be implemented in stages until 2020.

 

FNC Speaker Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and chairman of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs Ahmed Juma Al Zaabi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman of the Board of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police and Public Security Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Director General of Dubai Protocol Department Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman and a host of senior officials attended the inauguration ceremony.

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