The second phase of the project will be based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model and is expected to go online by April 2017.
The entire solar park is estimated to generate over 3GW of energy after its planned completed in 2030.
DEWA MD & CEO HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: "The Solar Park supports the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 developed by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy to diversify Dubai’s energy mix. Solar energy will account for 7% of the total energy production by 2020 and 15% by 2030.
"The project, which occupies 4.5km², will help to achieve a reduction of approximate 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by 2020, which supports the green initiatives and programmes implemented by the Government of Dubai to reduce carbon emissions."
DEWA holds 51% of the project company Shuaa Energy 1, while a consortium comprising Saudi firm ACWA Power International and Spain-based TSK own the remaining shares.
Last month, US-based First Solar won a contract to supply photovoltaic (PV) modules for the second phase of the project.
Switzerland-based ABB has also been selected to extend a substation at the Mohammed bin solar park.
Image: DEWA MD & CEO HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer. Photo: courtesy of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
