It is reported that the Supreme Council of Energy for Dubai has launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the first utility scale project of its kind in the region.
As per report, the AED 12 billion project was launched under the guidance and patronage of Mr Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum VP and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It was implemented by the SCE and managed and operated by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
The park is a prelude to the introduction of promising projects to use renewable energy in electricity production in Dubai. This project will use solar radiations that are available all year-round to produce electricity using the latest technology available in international markets.
At the launch, Mr Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer VC of SCE and MD & CEO of DEWA, on behalf of Mr Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum chairman of SCE, highlighted the advanced position achieved by the UAE in its continuous quest to achieve sustainable development and build a competitive economy in a future that depends less on fossil fuel energy through a range of sustainable energy sources.
Mr Ahmed said that "Dubai has made great and unprecedented achievements, which has made it one of the world's most competitive countries. This prominent position is the culmination of the efforts of our leadership to create a stimulating business environment, characterized by a cutting edge and robust infrastructure and world class, efficient and reliable services. These services have greatly contributed to establishing Dubai's reputation as a globally-preferred hub for finance, business and tourism."
He added that "The Supreme Council of Energy is meeting its responsibility to continue our relentless pursuit to provide clean-energy solutions to efficiently meet our future requirements and develop a reduced carbon footprint economy. This is why we are investigating the utilization of renewable energy; especially solar energy, which is both sustainable and eco friendly."
Mr Al Tayer explained that the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 has included a plan for diversifying the energy sources in Dubai so that solar energy contributes 1% to the overall energy production for Dubai by 2020 and this will increase to 5% by 2030. This is in addition to generating 12% from nuclear power and 12% from clean coal. The remainder will come from gas.
He added that "The first project of the park will witness the production of power using photovoltaic cell technology, with a production capacity of 10 MW by 2013. By 2030, the park will produce 1,000 MW on the completion of all its phases."
(Sourced from www.tradearabia.com)
