The CSP power plant will be the fourth phase of the 5GW Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is said to be the largest single-site strategic solar energy project
Being developed on Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, the solar park is estimated to cost AED50bn ($13.6bn) and is scheduled to be completed by 2030.
The 13MW first phase of the solar park was commissioned in 2013. The 200MW second phase is planned to be operational by 2017 followed by 800MW third phase by 2020.
Earlier in 2016, DEWA selected Masdar-led consortium for the development of third phase of the solar park following its lowest bid of power generation price.
DEWA managing director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: “This 200MW CSP Plant will be operational by April 2021, since we intend to continue generating 1,000MW from CSP by 2030.
“We are determined to continue building and developing a greener economy, to achieve the UAE Vision 2021 of a sustainable environment in terms of air quality, conserving water resources, more reliance on clean energy, and implementing green development in Dubai, as well as Dubai Plan 2021 to establish Dubai as a smart and sustainable city, whose environmental elements are clean, healthy and sustainable.”
The solar park is designed to contribute to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to generate 7% of its total power from clean energy sources by 2020. The target is planned to increase to 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2050.
Image: The 5GW Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is planned to be completed by 2030. Photo: courtesy of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
