The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially commenced the fifth phase of construction at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Complex in Dubai. Touted as the world’s largest single-site solar complex, the project stands as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to renewable energy sources.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, kicked off the new phase of the park. The solar park’s output is slated to reach a prodigious 5,000 megawatts by the year 2030.
Contributing to environmental sustainability, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is expected to curb more than 6.5 million tons of carbon emissions annually. This phase, boasting a capacity of 900 megawatts, will cater to the energy needs of nearly 270,000 homes in Dubai, concurrently reducing 1.18 million tons of carbon emissions each year.
The Vice President underlined the UAE’s resolve to pioneer the shift towards a more sustainable future for all, by diversifying its energy mix and emphasizing the adoption of renewable energy sources.
He added, “This is aligned with the country’s commitment to a wise strategy that strengthens the foundations of sustainability, conserves the environment, supports climate change mitigation efforts, and reduces emissions, recognizing the importance of international cooperation to achieve this strategic goal linked to mankind’s future and quality of life.”
Asserting the UAE’s commitment to its environmental responsibilities and future generations, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasized that sustainability is a top priority for the nation. He said, “Embracing clean and renewable energy solutions is a strategic choice. We are working in collaboration with our global partners to maximize benefits and propagate best practices.”
He commended the progress made in line with the scheduled timeline for the subsequent stages of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest global project of its kind. This forms a cornerstone of Dubai’s clean energy strategy and aligns with the country’s vision for the energy sector’s future.
Dubai is driving towards an ambitious strategy to derive 25% of the emirate’s energy needs from renewable sources by 2030, working towards a complete reliance on renewable energy by 2050.
The completion of the fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park coincides with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, during which the emirate will host the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28). This pivotal progress marks another significant stride towards a conscious economy, reliant on clean energy sources.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized Dubai’s determination to be a role model in laying the foundations of the green economy, solidifying its place among the most sustainable cities globally.
He added, “We appreciate the contributions of the private sector as a significant partner in the journey towards offering a developmental model that balances the needs of the present with the aspirations of the future.”
As he inaugurated the fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the Dubai Ruler heard from the CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, who explained the stage being implemented by the authority using state-of-the-art bi-facial photovoltaic solar panel technologies.
