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Last Updated on 25th June 2024
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) have announced the financial closing of the 1,800 MW sixth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is set to become the largest single-site solar park globally.
The current production capacity of the solar park is 2,627 MW, and 2033 MW is under construction. The 1,800 MW sixth phase of the solar park will increase the production capacity to 4,660 MW by 2026. The solar park's total capacity is projected to exceed 5,000 MW by 2030, with investments totaling approximately USD 13 billion (AED 50 billion). This milestone represents a significant step towards promoting clean and renewable energy in the UAE.
The sixth phase, awarded to Masdar under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model with costs up to USD 1.5 billion, will contribute to DEWA's goal of sourcing around 27% of its generation mix from clean energy sources by 2030. DEWA established Shuaa Energy 4 in partnership with Masdar for the construction and operation of this phase, with DEWA owning 60% and Masdar owning 40% of the company.
Upon completion, the sixth phase will provide clean energy for approximately 540,000 residences and reduce around 2.36 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually, covering an area of 20 square kilometers. Notably, it has achieved the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE) in the Solar Park, standing at USD 1.6215 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
While these advancements mark significant progress in the renewable energy sector, providing a breakdown of investments and ownership structures, as well as elaborating on the environmental and social benefits, would further enhance understanding and appreciation of the project's impact.
A detailed breakdown of the other project phases is given below:
On October 22, 2013, the 13 MW 1st phase of the solar park became operational. The project uses 152,000 photovoltaic cells connected to 13 step-up transformers in inverter buildings. The output voltage is transformed to 33 kilovolts and generates over 28 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. It decreases carbon emissions by 15,000 metric tons annually.
On November 20, 2017, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the 200 MW second phase of the solar park. It is the first and largest project of its kind in the region, based on the IPP model. ACWA Power from Saudi Arabia (the main developer) and Spain’s TSK (the main contractor) implemented this phase with an investment of USD 330 million.
The 800 MW third phase of the solar park using photovoltaic solar panels became fully operational in 2020. In June 2016, DEWA announced the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)-led consortium as the selected bidder for the 800 MW third phase of the solar park using photovoltaic solar panels. The consortium bid for the lowest cost of electricity, USD 2.99 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), to be constructed based on the IPP model.
The 4th Phase of the solar park, with a capacity of 950 MW and investments amounting to USD 4.3 billion according to the IPP model, is the largest single-site project in the world that combines concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic technologies.
To design, construct, and run the plant, a consortium with DEWA and ACWA Power as its leaders established Noor Energy 1. DEWA owns 51% of the company, while ACWA Power holds 25%, and the Silk Road Fund owns 24%.
This phase will use three hybrid technologies: 600 MW from a parabolic basin complex (three units of 200 MW each), 100 MW from the world’s tallest solar power tower at 262.44 meters (based on Molten Salt technology), and 250 MW from photovoltaic solar panels. The project will have the largest thermal storage capacity in the world at 15 hours. The 4th Phase will provide clean energy for around 320,000 residences and reduce 1.6 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
The 900 MW 5th Phase of the solar park using photovoltaic panels became fully operational in June 2023. The fifth phase of the project will provide clean energy to around 270,000 residences in Dubai. The Independent Power Producer (IPP) model-based USD 2 billion project includes a collaboration between DEWA (60%) and a group headed by ACWA Power and Gulf Investment Corporation (40%) through Shuaa Energy 3.3. DEWA achieved a world record by receiving the lowest bid of USD 1.6953 per kWh for the fifth phase.
| What is an IPP model? |
| The Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, also known as the Non-Utility Generator (NUG) model, refers to a system where private entities, rather than public utilities, own and operate facilities for generating electricity. These independent producers then sell the electricity they generate to utilities, businesses, or directly to consumers. |
Masdar is a United Arab Emirates-based renewable energy company. It was founded in 2006 to develop and promote clean energy technologies and solutions. Masdar is a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, which is the sovereign wealth fund of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Masdar has played a significant role in the development of the renewable energy sector in the UAE. The company has invested in many large-scale renewable energy projects. To learn more about Masdar's projects, check out our renewable energy database.
The Dubai Electricity Company and the Dubai Water Department merged to form the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), a public infrastructure company, in 1992. Today, it serves as the sole provider of electricity and water services for the entire Emirate of Dubai, UAE.
DEWA is responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity and water to over 3.5 million customers in Dubai. It is one of the largest utilities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and it is considered to be one of the most efficient utilities in the world. Explore our database to find out more insights and details about the renewable power projects executed by DEWA in the MENA region.
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