His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially opened the world’s largest CSP project, located in the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai.
The fourth phase, with a capacity of 950 megawatts (MW), represents a substantial investment of AED15.78 billion and employs three hybrid technologies: a 600MW parabolic basin complex, a 100MW CSP tower, and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels. This project, following the independent power producer (IPP) model, boasts the world’s tallest solar tower at 263.126 meters and holds the Guinness World Record for the largest thermal energy storage capacity at 5,907 megawatt hours (MWh).
In his statement, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized the UAE’s commitment to becoming one of the world’s most sustainable nations. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, he stated, is a pivotal element in Dubai and the UAE’s dedication to establishing world-class sustainability infrastructure, contributing significantly to global climate change efforts.
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The launch of the fourth phase aligns with the goals of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), currently hosted by the UAE, and reinforces the country’s commitment to the Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted their ongoing efforts to expand the sustainable energy mix and embrace renewable and alternative energies, demonstrating a dedication to a resilient and prosperous future for humanity.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum joined H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Along with H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, along with several ministers, directors general of Dubai government departments, and senior officials.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), extended a warm welcome to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
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During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received a detailed briefing on the project from Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer. The fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, covering an area of 44 square kilometres, utilises three hybrid technologies: 600MW from a parabolic basin complex, 100MW from the CSP tower, and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels. The project incorporates 70,000 heliostats to track the sun’s movement.
The Molten Salt Receiver (MSR) atop the solar power tower is the core and crucial element of the CSP plant, converting solar radiation into thermal energy. Comprising over 1,000 thin tubes, the MSR facilitates the absorption of sun rays and their transfer to the molten salt within these tubes. The project is expected to provide around 320,000 residences with clean and sustainable energy, resulting in a reduction of approximately 1.6 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. This initiative further solidifies Dubai’s status as a leading global hub in clean, renewable energy and climate action.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer highlighted the UAE’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and global sustainability under the guidance of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He reiterated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s determination for the UAE to be at the forefront of global efforts towards a more sustainable future, according to WAM.
Al Tayer affirmed DEWA’s dedication to following the leadership’s vision, achieving the goals of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, and implementing the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. He emphasized that DEWA developed the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, a global landmark, in line with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s directives, setting superior benchmarks for efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness in renewable energy production.