DEWA Expands Clean Energy Production Capacity By 800MW In 2025 To Support Sustainable Development

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has expanded its production capacity to 3,860 megawatts (MW), according to Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). This increase is due to the addition of 800MW from the park's sixth phase, utilising both photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies. Clean energy now constitutes around 21.5% of DEWA’s total production capacity.

Al Tayer emphasised that their strategies are guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The aim is to transition towards a sustainable green economy and position Dubai as a global leader in clean energy. The solar park is central to achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, targeting 100% clean energy by 2050.

The first phase of the solar park began in October 2013 with a capacity of 13MW using PV panels. By March 2017, the second phase was operational with a capacity of 200MW, also employing PV technology under the independent power producer (IPP) model. This was a pioneering project in the region.

In November 2020, the third phase was launched with an impressive capacity of 800MW. It was notable for being the first in the Middle East and North Africa to use single-axis solar tracking to boost energy output. This innovation marked a significant step forward in regional solar technology.

The fourth phase commenced in December 2023, boasting a total capacity of 950MW through CSP and PV panels. It integrates three hybrid technologies: a parabolic basin complex generating 600MW, a solar power tower producing 100MW, and PV panels contributing another 250MW.

June 2023 saw the inauguration of the fifth phase with a capacity of 900MW using photovoltaic panels. DEWA is currently advancing towards completing the sixth phase, which will add another 1,800MW using PV panels. These expansions are crucial for meeting future energy goals.

Plans are underway for the seventh phase, inviting international developers to contribute. This phase will have an initial capacity of 1,600MW, expandable to 2,000MW. It will incorporate PV panels alongside a battery storage system capable of storing up to 6,000 megawatt-hours over six hours.

By reaching a production capacity of 7,260MW by 2030, DEWA aims for clean energy to make up one-third of its mix. This expansion will significantly cut carbon emissions by about eight million tonnes annually. The seventh phase will be among the largest solar-plus-storage projects globally.

This ambitious project reflects Dubai's commitment to sustainable development and reducing carbon footprints while enhancing its role as an innovator in renewable energy solutions worldwide.

With inputs from WAM