Environment

Dubai is making significant and steady progress in increasing dependence on renewable and clean energy. A few weeks after Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced that it increased the share of renewable energy targets in Dubais 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, it has announced the 800MW third phase of the 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. DEWA is accepting proposals for a project consultant from 1 April to 3 May 2015. The projects tender is expected to be released in Q3 of 2015.

DEWAs 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 Parks 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 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 operated the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region. The 13MW first phase became operational in 2013. The consortium led by Saudi Arabias ACWA and Spains TSK was selected to implement the 200MW second phase of the Solar Park, which will be operational by 2017. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is one of the largest strategic renewable energy projects in the world that is based on the IPP model.

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 current test programme involves 32 module commercial types from over 20 manufacturers. Operation and maintenance strategies are also in the core of DEWAs research. The Solar Park includes a Research and Development Centre (R&D), a solar-testing facility, an innovation centre, a university, and a training centre.

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