Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) issued a tender for the second phase of the of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, a 100MW photovoltaic plant that will be developed and operated by a qualified Independent Power Producer (IPP). The project supports the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote the use of renewable energy sources in the Emirate of Dubai. It also supports the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, which was launched by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

DEWA received 49 qualification documents in response to its open request for qualifications, which was released in May 2014. DEWA shortlisted 24 developers for the second phase. Ten bidders were chosen after opening the bids on 20 November 2014. The bids will be reviewed according to the criteria developed by the advisory committee that oversees the project.

This leading project underlines our commitment to achieving the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to diversify the energy mix in the Emirate of Dubai. It also supports the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative of His Highness. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region and demonstrates our commitment to achieve our vision to become a sustainable world-class utility, said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

The tender for this project, which will be implemented in partnership with the private sector, is a key step towards achieving the objectives of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, in which solar-powered electricity is set to become part of Dubais energy portfolio. DEWA will continue to execute these ground-breaking projects in renewable energy and contribute to the growing energy needs of Dubai, added Al Tayer.

The second phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is based on PV technology to produce 100MW of electricity, and is expected to be operational by 2017.

At the meeting to open the bids, Al Tayer expressed his satisfaction with the number of bids received for the project from international developers. He noted that this wide international participation in this vital field reflects the trust and interest of international investors to invest in large projects supported by the Government of Dubai. The winning bid to implement the project will be announced shortly.