During his participation at the World Energy Congress (WEC) in Abu Dhabi, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), received HE Subhash Chandra Garg, India’s Power Secretary, at DEWA’s stand at the WEC. The delegation from India included Joint Secretary, Vivek Kumar Dewangan.
Al Tayer welcomed the Indian delegation, pointing out that DEWA is committed to promoting relationships and continuous cooperation with Indian organisations in the public and private sectors, especially those working in the renewable energy sector.
Al Tayer highlighted Dubai’s efforts to diversify its energy sources, and DEWA’s clean and renewable energy projects to support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. The strategy, which was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to provide 75% of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy sources by 2050.
Al Tayer also updated the delegation on the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is the largest single-site solar energy project in the world, based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. The solar park will produce 5,000MW by 2030 with a total investment of AED 50 billion. When completed, it will reduce 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The 13MW first phase became operational in 2013 using photovoltaic solar panels. The 200MW photovoltaic second phase of the solar park was operational in March 2017, while the 800MW photovoltaic third phase will be fully operational by next year.
The 950MW fourth phase of the solar park is the largest single-site investment project that combines Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and photovoltaic technologies using the IPP model. It will use 700MW of CSP; 600MW from a parabolic basin complex and 100MW from a solar tower; and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels. The project will feature the tallest solar tower in the world at 260 metres. The project will also have the largest global thermal storage capacity of 15 hours; allowing for energy availability round the clock. DEWA issued a tender for the fifth phase of the solar park for 900MW of electricity using photovoltaic solar panels, based on the IPP model, which will be commissioned in stages starting Q2 of 2021.
Garg commended DEWA’s efforts to upgrade the energy sector in the UAE and in Dubai in particular. He expressed admiration for DEWA’s services and facilities, and emphasised the importance of promoting cooperation between the UAE and India in clean and renewable energy project, building on the strategic relationship between the two countries.