Dewa chief reviews progress on solar park

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, or Dewa, led by managing director and chief executive officer Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, on Tuesday visited the construction site of the first phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park at Seih Al Dahal in Dubai to review its progress.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer and Dewa executives visited the construction site of the first phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park at Seih Al Dahal in Dubai on Tuesday. — Supplied photo

The first phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

At a total cost of Dh12 billion, the project when completed in phases, will have a total production capacity of 1,000MW of electricity, and will include a centre for advanced studies and research, and facilities to help students and scientists study the various facets of the project.

The first phase will generate 13MW of solar energy, which will be directly linked to the Dewa’s grid.

The project is in line with the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which aims to strengthen the emirate’s position as a leader in energy efficiency, and strengthen the use of renewable energy, complementing the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 to diversify energy sources as follows: natural gas 71 per cent, nuclear energy and clean coal 24 per cent, and solar power five per cent of Dubai’s total power output.

Setting up the Solar Park is an important step towards implementing the energy and growth strategy of Dubai.

Developed by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, or DSCE, which aims to include solar power in Dubai’s energy portfolio, the park promotes the use of solar energy as a safe and clean source of energy.

Al Tayer reviewed the construction site and expressed his satisfaction regarding the progress of the project, which is on schedule. The DSCE initiated the solar park and the Dewa is managing and operating it.

• business@khaleejtimes.com