First Solar to Construct First Phase of Dubai's 1,000-Megawatt Project

Written by Richard Finlayson, Senior International Editor for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The first phase of a 1,000-megawatt (MW) solar park will be constructed by First Solar Incorporated (NASDAQ:FSLR) (Tempe, Arizona) for the state-owned Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in Seih Al Dahlal, about 50 kilometers south of Dubai.

First Solar will provide engineering, procurement and construction services and advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules for the first 13-MW phase of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is named after the Emirate of Dubai's leader. When the total envisaged project is completed, it will cover an area of 48 square kilometers and have the capacity to produce 1,000 MW from both PV and solar thermal technologies to supply clean energy to the capital.

"The PV plant installation is a key step in the implementation of the energy diversification strategy adopted by the Supreme Council of Energy, in which solar energy is set to become part of Dubai's energy portfolio. The strategy is based on Dubai's growing energy requirements and aims to maintain security of supply in the emirate," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of DEWA.

The first phase of the 13-MW plant is expected to generate an average of more than 22 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which is enough to meet the requirements of 500 local households. It will displace more than 14,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is equivalent to taking 1,600 cars off the road every year.

The project is being implemented by Dubai's Supreme Council of Energy and managed and operated by DEWA as part of the Dubai Integrated Energy 2030.

First Solar is establishing a strong profile in the Middle East and has recently opened an office in Dubai. First Solar also is in an advanced stage of opening another office in Saudi Arabia. For related information, see October 12, 2012, article - First Solar to Supply 585,000 Thin-Film Modules for 50 Megawatt Indian Project.

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