In a formal inauguration, Dubai has introduced what is touted as the world's largest concentrated solar power (CSP) site, marking the completion of the 950-MW fourth phase within the expansive Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighted the significance of the solar park, stating, “The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is at the heart of Dubai and the UAE's commitment to create a world-class infrastructure for sustainability and a robust foundation for building an environmentally friendly future.”
Encompassing an area of 44 square kilometers (16.9 sq miles), the fourth phase incorporates three distinct hybrid technologies: a 600-MW parabolic basin complex, a 100-MW CSP tower, and 250 MW from photovoltaic solar panels. The site features over 790,000 photovoltaic panels, more than 63,600 parabolic trough collectors, and 70,000 mirrors (heliostats) that track the sun's movement.
This segment of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum complex boasts the world's tallest solar tower, standing just above 263 meters, and the largest thermal energy storage capacity of 5,907 MWh.
The fourth phase, realized through an investment of about AED 15.8 billion (USD 4.30 billion/EUR 3.98 billion) under the independent power producer (IPP) model, further solidifies Dubai's commitment to sustainable infrastructure. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park aims to achieve an overall capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030, with the fifth stage already inaugurated in June.
A consortium led by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power, establishing Noor Energy 1 as a project company, was entrusted with the fourth phase. DEWA holds a 51% stake in the company, ACWA Power owns 25%, and the Chinese Silk Road Fund has 24%.
