DSCE vice chairman visits al Maktoum solar park

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) made a field visit to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at Seih Al Dahal. Al Tayer was accompanied by Nasser Lootah, EVP of Generation (Power '&' Water), Waleed Salman, EVP of Strategy and Business Development, Fatima Mohammed Al Forra Alshamsi, VP Privatisation and Business Development, and a number of DEWA employees. Being one of His Highness' initiatives with estimated 1,000 MW capacity upon completion and a cost of Dhs12bn, this Solar Park falls in line with the vision of His Highness aiming to enhance Dubai's green economy and promote its sustainable future. It also contributes to conserving natural resources, preserving the environment as well as promoting Dubai's leading position to achieve the highest criteria of power efficiency and increase the contribution of renewable energy to the overall energy mix. "Construction works are relentlessly going on to complete this park in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote opportunities of improvement and sustainable development and support Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030. It will also contribute to developing the technology used in generating power by solar energy, reducing the carbon footprint in Dubai, and increasing the UAE expertise in the field of solar and renewable energy, raising awareness of climate changes and sustainable energy. It will also facilitate research and development through creating a centre for development and research, which will enhance Dubai's leading position as a global hub for finance, business and tourism," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer. "It is expected that by 2030, Dubai's electricity requirements will be provided from four sources; natural gas providing 71%, nuclear energy and clean coal combined contributing a total of 24%, and solar energy generating 5%," said Al Tayer. The first phase of the project is managed by DEWA, and the other future projects will be scheduled to achieve the set objectives of providing 1% of Dubai's energy by 2020 and 5% by 2030.