Dubai launches Dh12b solar power project Ahmed Shaaban

10 January 2012 DUBAI - A Dh12 billion solar power project to meet Dubai’s growing energy needs was launched on Monday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Energy Park, an initiative of the Supreme Council of Energy (SCE) for Dubai, will be managed and operated by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa). The mammoth project will come up in Seih Al Dahal area, southeast Dubai and will cover 48 square kilometres, with the first phase to be completed in 2013. When completed in 2030, it will have the capacity to generate 1,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity. The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, spelt out the country’s goals in tapping alternative sources of energy. ‘‘The UAE is striving to develop and boost its rich resources and expertise in the international energy markets and enhance its leading role as a world centre for renewable energy research and development,” he said. Abdulla Al Shaibani, Secretary-general of the Dubai executive Council, and other dignitaries at the launch of the Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar energy Project on Monday. — Wam Shaikh Mohammed said preserving energy resources would be a challenge in the drive towards sustainable development. ‘‘This, however, will not materialise unless the different facets of our society adopt energy conservation principles in their core values. The future generations will be the chief beneficiary of our achievements and the best judge of what we accomplish in this field.” In his inaugural speech on behalf of Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the SCE, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, vice-chairman of the SCE, managing director & CEO of Dewa, said demand for power was expected to reach 90-140 TeraWatt hours (TWh) by 2030 and diversifying energy sources was high on the list of the emirate’s priorities. Visitors taking a look at the model of the Shaikh mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar energy Park on Monday. — KT photo by Shihab Dubai hopes to increase its renewable energy production to 1% by 2020 and to 5% by 2030. “This is in addition to generating 12% from nuclear power and 12% from clean coal while 71% will come from gas,” Al Tayer said The first phase of the mammoth project will produce power using photovoltaic cell technology, with a production capacity of 10MW by 2013. By 2030, the park will generate 1,000MW,” he added. Fatima Al Shamsi, senior manager, New Business Development, Dewa, told Khaleej Times the first stage of the project would cost Dh120 million. Waleed Salman, executive vice- president for Strategy and Business Development at Dewa, said six companies were competing for the public tender of the 10MW stage and solar park. “The winning consultant will be announced after a thorough study of the offers in July this year.” Nejib Zaafarani, Secretary General and CEO of SCE, said solar energy was not new to Dubai. “The emirate is already producing 4.5MW in Jebel Ali, Palm Jumeirah, Al Maidan, and some private entities.” “The later stages of the project will be done in collaboration with Masdar City. It will be open to partnerships, particularly from the private sector.’’ The event was attended by Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Abdullah Al Shaibani, Secretary General of Dubai Executive Council, senior shaikhs and officials. Solar Park · Capacity: 1,000MW · First phase cost: Dh120 million · Total cost: Dh12 billion · Completed: 2030 · Finance: Open, partnerships, private sector · Location: Seih Al Dahal, southeast Duba · Area: 48 square kilometres Dubai Energy Mix 2030 Solar: 5% Nuclear: 12% Clean Coal: 12% Gas: 71% First stage: Capacity: 10MW Cost: Dh120 million Completion: 2013 end Duration: 21 months Finance: SEC, self-funded Technology Photovoltaic (PV) Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com Shaikh Mohammed at the launch of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Energy Park project on Monday in the presence of Dubai Deputy Ruler Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and dignitaries. — Wam