The 3rd Emirates Energy Award's (EEA 2017's) Organising Board has organised a visit for 25 young social media influencers, particularly trending Instagram individuals with around 200,000 fans, to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, to reveal them the most effective developments and practices in energy performance. EEA 2017 is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with the theme Innovative Solutions for Clean Energy.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is the largest single-site solar park on the planet. The overall capacity of the solar park will certainly reach 5,000 MW by 2030, with total investments of AED 50 billion. By the time the solar park is finished, it should help reduce over 6.5 million heaps per year of carbon discharges.

During the visit, social networks influencers were shown the procedures at the solar park. The group took pictures of the site using the hashtag- #EEAinstameet and uploaded them on their Instagram accounts. The group visited other tasks inside the park, including the 13MW solar first phase, which started procedures on 22 October 2013, the 200MW solar 2nd stage of the solar park is being commissioned, and the 800MW photovoltaic or pv 3rd stage is incomplete. The 200MW Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant will certainly be operational in April 2021. CSP will eventually produce 1,000 MW by 2030.

The social media influencers also visited the research and development centres that focus on commercial and social requirements. The centre comprises of 2 solar screening facilities: the very first for photovoltaic panels and the 2nd for CSP.

"The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park sustains the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, making Dubai a global centre of clean power, green economy and sustainable advancement. It is also part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to raise the share of clean power in Dubai, with an overall power result to 7% by 2020, 25% by 2030, and 75% by 2050," stated HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council of Power and President of the EEA.

"The critical vision of our smart leaders is to establish UAE's placement as a global platform to encourage innovation and aid innovators. The EEA is open to all innovative concepts, finest practices and advancements. As part of the National Innovation Strategy and the Dubai Innovation Method, we plan to enhance research initiatives in renewable energy to create plans and technologies that will help the UAE to achieve its lasting development and green economic climate objectives to ensure a happier and sustainable future, for generations ahead," said Al Tayer.

"It was a pleasure to invite the group of young social media sites influencers to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, one of the prominent projects in the region on clean energy. The EEA's goal is to sustain finest methods that help in reducing power usage. We are certain that such innovative techniques will have a positive impact on culture and will help increase recognition concerning energy efficiency and the importance of conserving water, which are the key chauffeurs for sustainable growth," said HE Ahmad Buti Al Muhairbi, Assistant General of the Supreme Council of Power, and Vice Chairman of the Executive Board of the EEA.

"This is the third EEA to inspire a healthy competition that encourages people to present their innovative concepts and outstanding efforts for lasting development. The award groups consist of energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainability and environmental management. We urge the people and companies from both public and economic sectors to present their jobs and green innovations," proceeded Al Tayer.

EEA has 10 groups with gold, silver and bronze medals. These consist of Energy Efficiency-Public Sectors, Energy Efficiency-Private Sector, Huge Power Project, Small Energy Project, Connecting Solar energy to Structures Project for Large Projects (over 500 kW), Connecting Solar energy to Buildings Project for Tiny Tasks (less than 500 kW), Education and Ability Building (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), Study & Growth Young Professional Power Award and Special Recognition Award.

Applications will certainly be obtained up to 1 April 2017. The EEA site (www.emiratesenergyaward.com) provides more information on ways to take part in this regional award.