UAE Prime Minister Inaugurates World's Largest Concentrated Solar Power Project

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, prime minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the world's largest concentrated solar power (CSP) project in the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park on Wednesday.

Located in Dubai, the solar park is the largest single-site project that combines CSP and photovoltaic technology.

The fourth phase uses three hybrid technologies, including 600 megawatts from a parabolic basin complex, 100 megawatts from the CSP tower and 250 megawatts from photovoltaic solar panels. This phase will provide clean energy to 320,000 residences in the city and reduce carbon emissions.

During the inauguration, the prime minister noted that the UAE aims to become one of the world's most sustainable nations, adding that the country's "journey towards sustainability is comprehensive, encompassing advanced clean energy projects across diverse renewable sources, and innovative solutions integrated into various spheres of the economy and society," WAM reported.

He explained that the "Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is at the heart of Dubai and the UAE's commitment to create a world-class infrastructure for sustainability and a robust foundation for building an environmentally friendly future."

The solar park has been built with an investment of AED15.78 billion, featuring the tallest solar tower in the world at 263.126 meters. Moreover, it features the largest thermal energy storage with a capacity of 5,907 megawatt hours, as per the Guinness World Records.

The prime minister said the launch of the fourth phase is an important milestone in the sustainability journey of the UAE.

"Our success in creating the world's largest concentrated solar project underscores our determination to advance climate action and aligns with the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) goals, which the UAE is currently hosting," he explained.

The UAE is currently hosting COP28, which started on Nov. 30 and will end on Dec. 12.

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, deputy Ruler of Dubai, deputy prime minister and minister of finance; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council and several ministers alongside director generals of Dubai government departments and senior officials.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will generate 5,000 megawatts by 2030. It is one of the essential projects under the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy.

The objective behind the project is to produce the maximum energy required in the city from clean sources including wind power, hydropower, solar, hydroelectricity, tidal energy, bioenergy, biomass, geothermal, biogas, biofuel, nuclear power plant and more.