DEWA Seeks Bids for 1,600MW Solar Park Phase 7 with 1,000MW Storage
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has taken another significant step toward achieving its ambitious clean energy targets by inviting international developers to submit expressions of interest (EOIs) for the development of the seventh phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This phase will have a capacity of 1,600 megawatts (MW) and is expandable to 2,000MW. It will incorporate state-of-the-art photovoltaic solar panels and an advanced battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 1,000MW, allowing for six hours of energy storage. This will provide a total storage capacity of 6,000 megawatt-hours (MWh), making it one of the largest integrated solar-plus-storage projects in the world.
Call for Global Participation
DEWA has invited international developers or consortia to submit their EOIs by 21 March 2025. This tender process is being conducted under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, which has been instrumental in attracting private-sector investments in Dubai’s renewable energy sector. Through this model, DEWA aims to facilitate greater competition among developers, ensuring cost efficiency and technological innovation in the execution of large-scale energy projects. The inclusion of global developers is expected to bring cutting-edge expertise and investment to the project, further solidifying Dubai’s position as a global leader in renewable energy and sustainability.
The Role of the 7th Phase in Dubai’s Energy Transition
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is a flagship project that underpins Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. The completion of its seventh phase will significantly contribute to Dubai’s goal of generating 100% of its energy from clean sources by mid-century.
This phase alone is projected to produce approximately 4.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, displacing the need to burn over 36 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The implementation of this phase will help increase the solar park’s planned production capacity from 5,000MW to an impressive 7,260MW, significantly bolstering Dubai’s renewable energy supply. This expansion will also have a direct impact on Dubai’s energy mix, increasing the share of clean energy from the current 27% to 34% by 2030. By doing so, the project will facilitate a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, cutting them from 6.5 million tonnes to approximately 8 million tonnes per year.
Such a significant reduction in carbon emissions aligns with Dubai’s broader climate action goals and enhances the emirate’s reputation as a sustainability-focused economy. The 7th phase is scheduled to become operational in multiple stages between 2027 and 2029, ensuring a steady increase in clean energy integration into the grid.
Strategic Importance of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Energy storage is a crucial component of modern renewable energy projects, as it allows for better grid stability, enhances reliability, and enables a seamless transition to clean energy sources. DEWA’s decision to include a 1,000MW battery energy storage system in the seventh phase of the solar park underscores the growing importance of energy storage in large-scale renewable energy initiatives.
A study conducted by DEWA has identified battery energy storage systems as the most cost-effective and land-efficient solution for large-scale energy storage. Unlike traditional fossil-fuel-based backup systems, battery storage provides a sustainable way to store excess solar energy generated during peak sunlight hours and release it when needed, such as during nighttime or cloudy periods. This ensures a more stable and reliable supply of clean energy and helps to mitigate the intermittency of solar power.
Moreover, integrating photovoltaic (PV) solar technology with battery storage sets a replicable model for other regions aiming to transition to clean energy. By combining these technologies, DEWA is creating a future-proof energy infrastructure that maximizes efficiency and sustainability.
The Evolution of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is one of the largest renewable energy projects globally, with a planned total capacity of 5,000MW by 2030. However, with the expansion brought by the seventh phase, the total capacity will now reach 7,260MW, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to renewable energy leadership.
Currently, the solar park has an operational capacity of 3,460MW, with an additional 1,200MW under various stages of construction. Each phase of the solar park has been designed to integrate the latest advancements in solar and energy storage technology, ensuring optimal efficiency and sustainability. The IPP model has played a key role in attracting global investment and expertise, leading to some of the world’s most competitive tariffs for solar energy.
Since its inception, the solar park has seen multiple phases of development:
- Phase 1 (13MW, 2013): The initial phase introduced Dubai’s commitment to solar energy.
- Phase 2 (200MW, 2017): Utilized photovoltaic technology to expand capacity.
- Phase 3 (800MW, 2020): Marked the transition to advanced PV technology with single-axis tracking.
- Phase 4 (950MW, under development): Introduced concentrated solar power (CSP) with a combination of solar towers and PV panels.
- Phase 5 (900MW, ongoing): Focused on integrating the latest bifacial solar panels.
- Phase 6 (1,800MW, planned): A significant leap in capacity, paving the way for even greater solar integration.
With the 7th phase, the solar park will further solidify Dubai’s position as a global leader in large-scale renewable energy projects.
Dubai’s Clean Energy Future
Dubai’s commitment to sustainable development and energy transition is evident through its ambitious clean energy strategies. The emirate’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 aims to generate 75% of Dubai’s total power output from clean sources by 2050, and the Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 seeks to completely eliminate carbon emissions from the power sector.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park plays a crucial role in achieving these targets. By integrating solar energy with battery storage, DEWA is ensuring that renewable energy can meet the city’s growing electricity demands while maintaining grid stability and reliability.
Additionally, Dubai continues to invest in other renewable energy projects, including green hydrogen production, waste-to-energy initiatives, and energy efficiency programs. These efforts collectively position the emirate as a leader in sustainable development and a model for cities around the world striving to achieve net-zero emissions.
