The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has selected US firm First Solar to build the first phase of a landmark 1000 MW solar energy park.
First Solar is to provide its thin film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules to the project as well as engineering, procurement and construction services. The 13 MW facility is the first phase of the landmark Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, named after the leader of the Emirate of Dubai, an AED12 billion project that is expected to eventually cover 48 km2 and produce 1000 MW using both PV and solar thermal technology.
“The PV plant installation is a key step in the implementation of the energy diversification strategy adopted by the Supreme Council of Energy, in which solar energy is set to become part of Dubai’s energy portfolio. The strategy is based on Dubai’s growing energy requirements and aims to maintain security of supply in the Emirate of Dubai,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
The solar park is to be implemented by Dubai’s Supreme Council of Energy (SCE) and managed and operated by DEWA, the state-owned power company, as part of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030.
First Solar recently opened an office in Dubai and is at an advanced stage in establishing an office in Saudi Arabia.
