Dubai’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

Wedoany.com Report-Feb 26, DEWA has announced a tender for the seventh phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The photovoltaic facility will feature a capacity between 1.6 gigawatts and 2 gigawatts, paired with 1 gigawatt of battery storage capable of supplying energy for six hours.

The project will follow an independent power project model, where the chosen developer will enter into a long-term power purchase agreement. Companies interested in participating must submit their expressions of interest by March 25. DEWA is currently evaluating submissions to determine the winners for the sixth phase of the solar park. Meanwhile, the fifth phase, with a capacity of 900 megawatts, remains under construction as part of the broader 5-gigawatt initiative.

As of October 2022, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park had 1.83 gigawatts of operational photovoltaic capacity. This encompasses the 13-megawatt first phase, the 200-megawatt second phase, and the 800-megawatt third phase. Development continues on portions of the fourth and fifth phases, contributing to the park’s ongoing expansion.

The tender reflects DEWA’s efforts to advance renewable energy infrastructure in the region. The seventh phase aims to bolster the solar park’s capacity with a combination of solar power and battery storage, ensuring a stable energy supply. Developers are expected to leverage their expertise to meet the technical and operational requirements outlined in the tender process.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, located in Dubai, continues to grow as a key component of the emirate’s sustainable energy strategy. The phased approach allows for steady increases in capacity, with each stage building on the progress of previous efforts. The operational segments demonstrate the park’s role in supporting Dubai’s energy needs through solar power.

DEWA has emphasized that the selection process for the seventh phase will prioritize reliability and efficiency. The integration of 1 gigawatt of battery storage in this phase marks a significant step in enhancing energy availability during non-solar hours. This development aligns with the solar park’s long-term objectives of expanding renewable energy output.

The fifth phase, still in progress, and the sixth phase, under evaluation, indicate the project’s active development pipeline. By October 2022, the completed phases had already established a foundation of 1.83 gigawatts, with the third phase being the largest single contributor at 800 megawatts. The tender for the seventh phase represents the next milestone in this ongoing endeavor.