Dubai launches CSP solar projects to generate 1,000 MW by 2030

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority says the CSP projects are part of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Solar Park.  DEWA photo.

ABU DHABI, June 2 (Reuters) – Dubai advanced an over 30 year plan to boost renewable energy on Thursday by tendering for advisors for a further phase in developing a major solar power park named after its ruler.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) said it was launching Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) projects to generate 1,000 megawatts of energy by 2030 as part of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Solar Park.

The city’s strategic plan envisions 7 percent of power generation from renewables by 2020, 25 percent by 2030 and 75 percent by 2050.

DEWA said it issued a tender for international CSP consultants to submit proposals for advisory services for the first 200 MW project of the plant.

The first project is expected to be operational by April 2021.

The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Solar Park is targeted to have 5,000 MW of generating capacity by 2030.

DEWA is currently considering bids for the third phase of the park, which will add 800 MW to the facility. All three phases of the park tendered so far, totalling around 1,000 MW, have used photovoltaic (PV) technology.

While the cost of generating electricity using PV panels is cheaper, they do not have CSP panels’ ability to store energy for use during periods of low or no sunlight, making them more efficient. (Reporting by Maha El Dahan, editing by William Hardy)