Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world, is one of the most extensive clean and renewable energy projects that Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is implementing to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The solar park has a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030 with investments up to AED50 billion. When completed, it will reduce over 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
In October 2022, the UAE launched its strategic initiative for net-zero emissions by 2050, to become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region to undertake such a strategic initiative. Dubai also launched the Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100 percent of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said that the regulatory frameworks in Dubai, which enable the private sector to take part in energy production projects in Dubai, have encouraged international investors and developers to participate in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park’s projects, which DEWA is implementing using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. He noted that DEWA has attracted investments of around AED40 billion through this model in public-private partnerships. DEWA received the lowest solar energy prices (Levelised Cost of Energy) globally five consecutive times, making Dubai a global benchmark for solar power prices.
The solar park hosts two pioneering projects: The Innovation Centre and the R&D Centre. The Innovation Centre supports DEWA’s efforts to enhance innovation and creativity in clean and renewable energy and raise awareness on sustainability, in addition to strengthening national capabilities and enhancing business competitiveness. It also provides visitors with a unique experience to explore the latest innovations in clean energy technologies.
The R&D Centre supports DEWA’s efforts to anticipate the future, develop proactive, long-term plans to keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution by developing disruptive technologies. It has the largest and most comprehensive solar testing and certification facility in the UAE, and it operates the longest continuous testing of photovoltaic panels in the UAE in desert climate conditions.
