First capacity of 900MW Dubai solar project comes online

19 Aug 2021
First capacity of 900MW Dubai solar project comes online

A consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Acwa Power has commissioned the first 300MW capacity of the 900MW fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid (MBR) solar park in Dubai

A consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Acwa Power has commissioned the first 300MW capacity of the 900MW fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid (MBR) solar park in Dubai.

Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) signed the power purchase agreement (PPA) with Saudi Arabia’s Acwa Power for the 900MW fifth phase project in April in 2020. The PPA was signed for a levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) tariff of $cents1.6953/kWh, which was one of the lowest PV solar tariffs in the world.

The $564m project reached financial close in September 2020.

“Commissioning the 300MW first stage of the fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park increases Dewa’s total capacity of clean energy to 1,310MW. This brings clean energy capacity in Dubai’s energy mix to around 10 per cent,” said Saeed Mohammed al-Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa.

“Dewa’s production capacity has increased to 13,200MW of electricity and 490 million imperial gallons of desalinated water per day (MIGD). By the end of 2021, clean energy capacity will increase to 13.3 per cent of Dubai’s total energy mix after adding 517MW from solar photovoltaic panels and CSP in the fourth phase of the solar park. These include 100MW from the world’s tallest CSP tower at 262.44 metres, 200MW from first project of the parabolic trough, and 217 MW using photovoltaic solar panels,” Al-Tayer added.

The Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 aims to provide 75 per cent of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.

At the inauguration of the latest renewables capacity, Dewa revealed that Dubai had identified a site for the UAE’s first wind power project.

 

Energy & Utilities - Middle East and Africa Market, Outlook Report 2023.

This must-have report for industry players offers a thorough understanding of the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the region, supported by data, analysis, and expert insights. 

E&U Podcast

Subscribe to our Market Talk podcast for the latest on the key issues and trends in the energy and utilities sector

List your business

Create a business listing on the Energy & Utilities markeplace

Sign up for the FREE Energy newsletter

The latest news and analysis sent to your inbox.

Drop Us A Message
I have read, understood and consent to your Privacy Policy