Two dozen international renewable energy companies have been shortlisted for the second phase of a Dh12 billion solar park project in Dubai.
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) said it had received 49 qualification documents for the Dh1bn, 100 mega watt Phase II of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, Wam reported yesterday. The park is expected to produce 1,000MW by 2030.
The first phase of the project, which includes a Dh120 million, 13MW photovoltaic power plant at Seih Al Dahal, 30 kilometres south-east of the city, opened last year and has been connected to the emirate’s power grid.
The new 100MW plant will also rely on photovoltaic technology. Dewa is looking for a private partner who will own 49 per cent of the project.
The qualification process began in May and is expected to close in October. Dewa did not disclose the names of the companies involved.
However, Yingli, one of the world’s largest photovoltaic solar panel manufacturers, said in May that it would be bidding for work on the new plant. About 150 firms bid in the first phase.
“Through implementing the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, Dewa is fulfilling the vision of our prudent leadership for the sustainable development of Dubai,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the managing director and chief executive of Dewa.
The Dubai Integrated Strategy 2030 aims to diversify the energy mix by 2030 to comprise 71 per cent from natural gas, 12 per cent from nuclear power, 12 per cent from clean coal and 5 per cent from solar power, Mr Al Tayer said.
Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s clean energy company, operates a 10MW photovoltaic plant at its headquarters and the 100MW Shams 1 plant near Madinat Zayed, which uses concentrated solar power to heat thermal fluid and produce energy through a steam turbine.
The UAE is third globally, behind Spain and the United States, in terms of concentrated solar power investment and capacity, a report by Ren21 said in June.
business@thenational.ae
Follow The National's Business section on Twitter
