DUBAL invests in Dubai's 1st solar park

Dubai Aluminium (DUBAL) is playing an active role in specific initiatives to fulfill Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 (DIES 2030) through an investment of AED 20 million in the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park announced by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy ("DSCE"). in February 2012, the company said in a statement. Phase I of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park will yield 10 MW by 2013 and the project will be scaled-up in successive phases to produce 1,000 MW by 2030. Announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DIES 2030 addresses both demand abatement and adequacy of energy supply; and its fulfillment has been mandated to the DSCE. In addition, DUBAL is also participating in a feasibility study relating to the establishment of clean coal-fired power stations in the UAE. Moreover, as a member of the DSCE, DUBAL has implemented the energy demand abatement directives that were issued to all DSCE member companies in April 2011, and is on track to achieve total energy-savings of 22,317,240 kWh per year by 2013. DUBAL has achieved a substantial reduction in the energy needed for electrolysis compared to 1990, resulting in average smelting energy consumption (measured in MWh/t) below the industry norm. Furthermore, efforts focused on improving the thermal efficiency of the DUBAL Power Plant have led to increased power generation to produce hot metal, while the fuel requirement increment is proportionately less - with direct environmental benefits in terms of fossil fuel combustion and associated environmental emissions.