Mohammed Bin Rashid Inaugurates World’s Largest CSP Project In Phase 4 Of Solar Park In Dubai

On a momentous occasion, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially inaugurated the world’s largest concentrated solar power (CSP) project within the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai.

The ambitious 950-megawatt (MW) fourth phase stands as the largest investment project globally, employing three innovative hybrid technologies: 600MW from a parabolic basin complex, 100MW from the CSP tower, and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels. With a staggering investment of AED15.78 billion and utilizing the independent power producer (IPP) model, the project has set multiple records, including the tallest solar tower globally at 263.126 meters and the largest thermal energy storage capacity at 5,907-megawatt hours (MWh), recognized by the Guinness World Records.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared his vision, stating, “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 Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park serves as the cornerstone of Dubai and the UAE’s commitment to creating a world-class infrastructure for sustainability. The inauguration of the fourth phase, coinciding with the culmination of the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, marks a crucial milestone in the nation’s sustainability journey. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the project’s significance in advancing climate action and aligning with the goals of the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference COP28, hosted by the UAE.

Driven by the objectives of the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, the project contributes significantly to the global effort to combat climate change. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the dedication to sustainability as a testament to the resolve to foster a resilient and prosperous future for all of humanity.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, along with ministers, director generals of Dubai government departments, and senior officials.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was warmly welcomed by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), who provided a comprehensive briefing on the project. The fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, spanning an area of 44 square kilometers, incorporates three hybrid technologies, featuring 70,000 heliostats that track the sun’s movement.

Al Tayer emphasized the project’s alignment with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to set global benchmarks of excellence, including the tallest CSP tower, the largest single-site thermal energy storage, and the lowest cost to produce renewable energy round the clock.

In his speech, Al Tayer underscored the visionary leadership’s commitment to enhancing the share of clean and renewable energy, positioning Dubai as a global hub for the green economy. The project, accomplished through the IPP model, has achieved the lowest global prices, establishing Dubai as a benchmark for solar energy project prices worldwide.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park plays a pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s large investments in clean energy projects, hosting COP28 and reinforcing the nation’s commitment to sustainable development. With a current capacity of 2,627MW, the Solar Park is instrumental in achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.

Al Tayer commended the efforts of DEWA’s partners, particularly the consortium led by DEWA and Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power, establishing Noor Energy 1 to design, build, and operate the fourth phase. DEWA holds a 51% stake, ACWA Power holds 25%, and the Chinese Silk Road Fund owns 24%.

Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power, expressed pride in contributing to the ambitious vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, stating that the project is a significant milestone in DEWA’s success and a testament to their long-term partnership.

ZHU Jun, Chairwoman of Silk Road Fund, emphasized the collaboration’s role in setting new standards for CSP generation, integrating technological innovations such as solar tower technology and parabolic panels. The successful completion of Noor Energy 1 marks a commendable precedent for future renewable energy initiatives.

The fourth phase employs three hybrid technologies to produce clean energy, combining the strengths of a parabolic basin complex, the world’s tallest solar power tower based on Molten Salt technology, and photovoltaic solar panels. The Molten Salt Receiver (MSR) atop the solar power tower plays a crucial role in converting solar radiation into thermal energy, contributing to the project’s capacity to provide clean and sustainable energy to approximately 320,000 residences. Additionally, the project is set to reduce carbon emissions by about 1.6 million tonnes annually, solidifying Dubai’s position as a leading global hub in clean, renewable energy, and climate action.