Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has secured the 2024 SolarPACES Technology Innovation Award for the pioneering technologies implemented at Phase IV of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
The award was collected by His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the Managing Director and CEO of DEWA. The new milestone reinforces DEWA’s status as a key player in the clean and renewable energy sector.
SolarPACES is a technology collaboration program under the frame of the International Energy Agency (IEA), operating within the solar Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) industry since 1977.
As the world’s leading annual meeting on CSP technology, (extended to industrial applications and energy storage), SolarPACES brings together researchers, technology providers, vendors, developers, and operators, with a focus on advancing global renewable energy initiatives.
It includes the annual awards, which facilitates the sharing of pioneering technologies and best practices while honoring individuals and institutions that contribute to the deployment of CSP technology, and driving innovation in CSP, among researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD & CEO – DEWA
“We are guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who accepts nothing but the top position in every field. Following the directives of His Highness, we have adopted the latest clean and renewable energy technologies in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world. This increases the share of clean and renewable energy sources to achieve the goals of the UAE Net-Zero 2050 Strategy and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, and we have already achieved the interim goals of this strategy in record time. We are proud of this new international recognition, which underlines DEWA’s leadership and excellence.”
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer further stated that, “The 4th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which DEWA has implemented, is the largest single-site CSP plant in the world, with investments of up to AED 15.8 billion ($4.26 billion) and a total capacity of 950 MW. This phase utilizes three hybrid technologies to generate clean energy: 100 MW from the Solar Central Tower with 15 hours of storage, 600 MW from Parabolic Troughs (three units of 200 MW each) with 12 hours of storage, and 250 MW from Solar PV Panels.”
Al Tayer highlighted DEWA’s remarkable achievement in securing Guinness World Records title for the tallest solar tower at 263.126 meters and the largest thermal energy storage capacity of 5,907 megawatt-hours, enabling 24-hour solar energy production.
“We continue our journey of excellence and leadership in all areas and across all levels. DEWA already came in the top position globally in more than 12 KPIs in its areas of work, according to a study conducted by specialized international consultants. DEWA’s record of prestigious awards reflects its relentless efforts to achieve the top rank in all fields,” added Al Tayer.
