World’s largest concentrated solar power plant completed in Dubai

A 950 MW solar energy complex was inaugurated in Dubai, the host of the COP28 climate change conference. The hybrid facility consists of the most powerful concentrated solar power (CSP) system on the planet and a photovoltaic unit. It is the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, competing for the title of the largest in the world.

Fifty kilometers south of Dubai city, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated a hybrid solar energy facility in a photovoltaic park named after him. The UAE has a clear vision to transform itself into one of the world’s most sustainable nations, he said.

The fourth phase consists of the largest concentrated solar power facility on the planet, at an overall 700 MW, and 250 MW in photovoltaic capacity. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is envisaged to reach 5 GW. It currently stands at 2.6 GW combined, making it one of a handful of the biggest ones on Earth already, even without CSP.

Concentrated solar power system includes tallest solar tower on Earth

The entire system will include heat and green hydrogen. The concentrated solar power segment features a record-tall solar tower and the largest thermal energy storage capacity anywhere, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) said. The utility controls 51% of the Noor Energy 1 joint venture, which built the fourth phase. Coowners are ACWA Power (25%) of Saudi Arabia and China’s Silk Road Fund (24%).

The fourth phase is valued at USD 4.3 billion. The CSP facility has 600 MW in the parabolic basin complex and the 100 MW solar tower of 263 meters in height, according to DEWA. In addition, it has the biggest thermal energy storage capacity, 5.9 GWh, it said, citing Guinness World Records.

The fifth phase was already commissioned this year.

Heliostats are reflecting sunlight toward molten salt receiver

Dubai is hosting the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28. The inauguration was held soon after the one for the Al Dhafra solar power plant, with 2 GW in capacity, in the fellow Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The parabolic reflectors – heliostats send sunrays to the molten salt receiver on top of the solar tower to generate heat. It contains over 1,000 thin tubes.