Dubai opens world’s largest concentrated solar power project

UAE Vice President and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has inaugurated the world’s largest concentrated solar power (CSP) project as the Gulf state accelerates towards becoming net zero by 2050.

The project is part of the AED15.78 billion ($4.30 billion) fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, the UAE state-owned Wam news agency reported.

The 950-megawatt (MW) project uses three hybrid technologies: 600 MW from a parabolic basin complex, 100 MW from the CSP tower, and 250 MW from photovoltaic solar panels.

The project features the tallest solar tower in the world at 263.126 metres, and a capacity of 5,907 megawatt hours (MWh), the largest thermal energy storage capacity in the world according to the Guinness World Records.

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The fourth phase will provide 320,000 residences with clean and sustainable energy. It will reduce carbon emissions by about 1.6 million tonnes annually.

The solar park’s current capacity has reached 2,627 MW and is the cornerstone to achieve the Dubai clean energy strategy 2050 and the Dubai net zero carbon emissions strategy 2050, said Saeed Al Tayer, executive of Dewa.

A consortium led by Dewa and Saudi Arabia’s Acwa Power established Noor Energy 1 as a project company to design, build, and operate the fourth phase of the solar park.

Dewa holds a 51 percent stake in the company, Acwa Power holds 25 percent and the Chinese Silk Road Fund 24 percent.