Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has issued a tender for the fifth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park that will construct 900 megawatts (MW) of electricity using photovoltaic solar panels, based on the independent power project (IPP) model.

This move holds the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75 per cent of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy by 2050. The deadline for tender submission is August 22, 2019.

The winning bidder will own 40 per cent of the company operating the project, and Dewa will own 60 per cent. It will sign a deal with Dewa to buy the generated power for 25 years. Dewa received letters of intent for the tender from 64 companies. The fifth phase of the solar park will be commissioned in stages starting from Q2 2021.

The largest single-site solar park The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is one of akind in the world. It will have a capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030 with investments of Dh50 billion ($13.6 billion). Through its projects, the park will boost Dubai’s expansion of solar power.

“Dewa is working to revamp Dubai into a global hub for clean energy and green economy, to make it the city with the lowest carbon impressions in the world. Meeting the clean energy objectives requires a capacity of 42,000 MW of clean and renewable energy by 2050,” Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dewa.

“To accomplish our vision to become a globally-leading sustainable innovative corporation, we are working to attain sustainability as the roadmap that secures a brighter and happier future for Dubai, by launching major world-class actions and projects in green development.”

The 13 MW first phase became functional in 2013 using photovoltaic solar panels. The 200 MW photovoltaic second phase of the solar park was operational in March 2017. The 800 MW photovoltaic third phase will be operational by 2020.

The project will build the tallest solar tower in the world, 260 m tall, and the largest thermal storage capacity of 15 hours; generating power around the clock.