Mohammed bin Rashid inaugurates the largest CSP project

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially launched the world’s largest concentrated solar power (CSP) project as part of the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai.

Valued at AED15.78 billion, the 950-megawatt (MW) fourth phase represents a groundbreaking investment, utilizing three innovative hybrid technologies: 600MW from a parabolic basin complex, 100MW from a CSP tower, and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels. This project, developed under the independent power producer (IPP) model, stands as a remarkable achievement, boasting the world’s tallest solar tower at 263.126 meters and setting a Guinness World Record for the largest thermal energy storage capacity of 5,907 megawatt hours (MWh).

Speaking on the occasion, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed the UAE’s commitment to becoming one of the world’s most sustainable nations. Emphasizing a comprehensive approach to sustainability, he highlighted the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park’s pivotal role in establishing Dubai and the UAE as leaders in sustainable infrastructure and environmental responsibility.

The fourth phase of the Solar Park, covering an expansive 44 square kilometers, incorporates three hybrid technologies: 600MW from a parabolic basin complex, 100MW from the CSP tower, and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels. Featuring 70,000 heliostats that track the sun’s movement, the project’s Molten Salt Receiver (MSR) atop the solar power tower is crucial to converting solar radiation into thermal energy. This groundbreaking initiative is projected to supply clean energy to approximately 320,000 residences and reduce carbon emissions by around 1.6 million tonnes annually, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global leader in clean, renewable energy and climate action.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision for this project was highlighted by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), who commended the leadership’s dedication to setting global benchmarks for efficiency and performance. The project, executed through a partnership with ACWA Power and the Chinese Silk Road Fund, marks a significant step towards achieving the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy and Dubai’s Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, with a current capacity of 2,627MW, plays a central role in realizing the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. The partnership with ACWA Power and the Silk Road Fund has allowed Dubai to achieve the lowest global prices for solar energy projects, reinforcing its status as a benchmark for such initiatives worldwide.

In conclusion, Al Tayer expressed gratitude for the collaboration and innovation that made the Noor Energy 1 project possible, setting new standards for concentrated solar power generation and contributing to the region’s sustainable energy solutions. The successful completion of this landmark project underscores the commitment to advancing renewable energy initiatives for a cleaner and brighter future.