Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) to Invest AED 50 billion in Solar Park by 2030

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is taking significant steps towards enhancing sustainability and supporting the transition to a sustainable green economy in Dubai. With a focus on increasing the share of clean and renewable energy in the city’s energy mix, DEWA is on track to realize the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.

DEWA recently inaugurated the 900 MW fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park. Utilizing the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, this phase involved total investments of over AED 2 billion. Furthermore, DEWA has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) to build and operate the 1,800 MW sixth phase of the solar park, with investments of up to AED 5.51 billion.

The solar park, which is part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy, is expected to make a significant impact in reducing carbon emissions. After the commissioning of the sixth phase in 2026, it is projected to reduce approximately 6.424 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. This aligns with the UAE’s vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Currently, the total capacity of the solar energy projects commissioned at the solar park stands at 2,427 MW, which accounts for 16.3% of the total installed capacity in Dubai. By 2026, after the completion of the fourth and sixth phases, this percentage is set to increase to 24%. The solar park has an ambitious target of reaching a production capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030, using solar photovoltaic panels and concentrated solar power technology. The total investments in the solar park are estimated to reach AED 50 billion.

The various phases of power production and carbon emissions reduction at the solar park are as follows:

– The 13 MW first phase reduces 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
– The 200 MW second phase reduces 214,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
– The 800 MW third phase reduces 1.055 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
– The 950 MW fourth phase, once completed, will reduce 1.6 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
– The 900 MW fifth phase reduces 1.18 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
– The upcoming 1,800 MW sixth phase is expected to reduce 2.36 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually upon completion.

DEWA’s commitment to sustainable energy contributes to the Year of Sustainability in the UAE and aligns with the country’s efforts to combat climate change. By investing in renewable energy sources, DEWA is playing a crucial role in achieving the UAE’s environmental objectives.

For more information, please contact: Mohammad Almheiri / Ribal Dayekh (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), Afaf Abaza / Mohammed Meshal (Hattlan Media)

Sources:
– Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
– Dubai Clean Energy Strategy
– Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy