Dewa launches tender for fifth phase of giant Dubai solar park

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has issued a tender for the 5th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park for 900 megawatts (MW) of electricity using photovoltaic solar panels, based on the Independent Power Project (IPP) model.

This move supports the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75 per cent of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy by 2050. The deadline to submit the tenders is Aug.22, 2019.

The winning bid will own 40 per cent of the company operating the project, and Dewa will own 60 per cent.

The winning bidder will sign an agreement with Dewa to purchase the generated power for 25 years. Dewa received letters of intent for the tender from 64 companies. The fifth phase of the solar park will be commissioned in stages starting from Q2 2021.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is the largest single-site solar park of its kind in the world. It will have a capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030 with investments of Dhs 50 billion. Through its projects, the park will accelerate Dubai’s expansion of solar power.

“We are committed to completing the phases of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to the highest international standards with the latest solar power technologies. This supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Eight Principles of Governance in Dubai, and the 50-Year-Charter, which His Highness issued. This ensures that the energy supply will meet growing demand in Dubai and enhance the shift toward green economy by increasing its share of clean energy,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dewa.

“Dewa is working to transform Dubai into a global hub for clean energy and green economy, to make it the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world. Meeting the clean energy objectives requires a capacity of 42,000MW of clean and renewable energy by 2050. To achieve our vision to become a globally-leading sustainable innovative corporation, we are working to establish sustainability as the roadmap that secures a brighter and happier future for Dubai, by launching major world-class initiatives and projects in green development,” said Al Tayer.

The 13MW first phase became operational in 2013 using photovoltaic solar panels. The 200MW photovoltaic second phase of the solar park was operational in March 2017. The 800MW photovoltaic third phase will be operational by 2020. The fourth phase of the solar park is the largest single-site Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project in the world based on IPP, at a total investment of Dhs15.78 billion.

The fourth phase of the 950MW hybrid power plant will use three technologies: 600MW from a parabolic basin complex, 100MW from a solar tower, and 250MW from photovoltaic panels. The project will feature the tallest solar tower in the world, 260 metres tall, and the largest thermal storage capacity of 15 hours; generating power around the clock.  Meanwhile a delegation from Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) visited the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) as the meeting between the high-level officials aims to strengthen their strategic partnership on renewable and clean energy.

The delegation from Masdar included Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar and Dr Lamya Nawaf Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar and Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize and was received by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dewa at its Head Office.

The meeting covered strengthening their strategic partnership on renewable and clean energy, and the various plans and projects that support the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071 to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world and enhance its global position as a hub for green economy and sustainable development.

The parties also discussed Dewa’s participation in the 13th World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2020, hosted by Masdar in Abu Dhabi.

WFES, one of the key events in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2020, is where the international community gathers to discuss sustainability issues. Since its inception, WFES has highlighted efforts to accelerate the pace of sustainable development. The parties also discussed Dewa’s distinguished participation as Efficiency Partner in the 12th WFES held in January 2019.

“We always seek to strengthen partnership and co-operation with Masdar, share best global experiences and practices, achieve the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; for the promotion of sustainable development.