Dubai unveils world's largest concentrated solar power project
OIL AND GAS NEWS
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today (December 6) inaugurated the largest concentrated solar power (CSP) project in the world, within the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai.
The 950 MW Phase Four is the largest investment project that uses three hybrid technologies - 600MW from a parabolic basin complex, 100MW from the CSP tower, and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels.
Being built at an investment of AED15.78 billion ($4.3 billion), the project features the tallest solar tower in the world, standing at 263.1 m high, and also the largest thermal energy storage capacity of 5,907 megawatt hours (MWh), said a statement from Dewa. The project features 70,000 heliostats that track the sun’s movement, it added.
In his address, Sheikh Mohammed said: "The UAE has a clear vision to transform itself into one of the world's most sustainable nations. Our journey towards sustainability is comprehensive, encompassing advanced clean energy projects across diverse renewable sources, and innovative solutions integrated into various spheres of the economy and society."
"The Solar Park is at the heart of Dubai and the UAE’s commitment to create a world-class infrastructure for sustainability and a robust foundation for building an environmentally friendly future. Coming at the culmination of the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, the launch of the fourth phase of the Solar Park is an important milestone in our sustainability journey, he stated.
"Our success in creating the world’s largest concentrated solar project underscores our determination to advance climate action and aligns with the goals of the UN Climate Change conference COP28, which the UAE is currently hosting," noted Sheikh Mohammed.
"Driven by the objectives of the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, we continue to expand our sustainable energy mix and embrace renewable and alternative energies, shaping not only our nation’s future but also contributing significantly to the global effort to combat climate change. Our dedication to sustainability is a testament to our resolve to contribute to fostering a resilient and prosperous future for all of humanity," he stated.
He was later briefed on the project by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa.
"The Phase Four of the Solar Park covers an area of 44 sq km and features 70,000 heliostats that track the sun’s movement. The Molten Salt Receiver (MSR) on top of the solar power tower is the core and the most important part of the CSP plant," stated Al Tayer.
"The MSR contains over 1,000 thin tubes that enable the absorption of sunrays and their transfer to the molten salt within these tubes. It receives solar radiation and turns it into thermal energy," he noted.
Al Tayer said this success has been achieved through pioneering strategies and projects driven by advanced research and development, Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, digital transformation, and the latest renewable and clean energy technologies.
"Through the IPP model, Dewa has achieved the lowest global prices, making Dubai a benchmark for solar energy project prices worldwide," he noted.
According to him, the project will provide approximately 320,000 residences with clean and sustainable energy. "It will cut carbon emissions by about 1.6 million tonnes annually, thus enhancing Dubai’s position as a leading global hub in clean, renewable energy and climate action," he added.
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council and a number of ministers and senior officials.-TradeArabia News Service
