The usage of renewable energy resources is the new normal. Countries are shifting their energy consumption from fossil fuels to renewable sources like solar and electricity. The UAE has also contributed to this green mission by encouraging the usage of solar energy in the region. Luckily, the UAE has the geographical advantage of receiving sunlight for most of the year for 10-14 hours a day. This aids in the efficient and appropriate usage of solar energy.
That said, solar energy is one of the most widely-used renewable energy sources that is being opted in large-scale as well as short-scale projects.
Let’s go through how is solar energy used in the UAE, its advantages and its future.
SOLAR POWER PROJECTS IN THE UAE
Many projects have been developed that encourage the use of solar energy in the UAE, and more are under discussion. This is an important step for the UAE to meet its environmental goals and adopt renewable energy methods.
Here are some projects that have been launched to promote different uses of solar energy in the UAE through energy generation and harnessing.
Shams- Abu Dhabi
Shams, the Middle East’s largest renewable energy project, was launched in 2013. The plant is situated in Western Abu Dhabi and covers an area of 2.5 square kilometres. It has a capacity of 100 MW and comprises 768 parabolic trough collectors that generate renewable electricity.
These parabolic troughs harness direct heat from the Sun using solar irradiation.
Shams is the biggest solar energy supplier in the UAE since it provides 27% of the UAE’s clean electricity. It is also a major reducer of the carbon footprints in the Emirates as it displaces about 175,000 of carbon dioxide every year. It powers 20,000 homes, making it a prominent asset of UAE solar energy projects.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, Dubai
In light of Dubai Clean Strategy 2050 and Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050, this site solar park project was launched. It has an electrical capacity of 5,000 MW to meet by 2030 and can save 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emission annually.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has four phases of operations. It involves the usage of photovoltaic and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies to reach the target of 5,000 MW.
The operations of the first phase began in 2013 and were successful in the reduction of carbon emissions by the Clean Development Mechanism. It had an electrical capacity of 13 MW. It generates 28 million kWh of electricity annually and gives an output of 33kV (kilovolts). The phase was installed using 13 transformers and 153,000 photovoltaic cells. It helped in reducing 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The second phase was initiated in 2017 and became operational in 2019. It has a capacity of 200MW of electricity. This phase adopts the IPP model. The project provides electricity to 50,000 residences and reduces 214,000 tonnes of carbon emissions yearly. The project covers an area of 4.5 square kilometres and houses 2.3 million photovoltaic solar cells.
The third phase was installed in 2016 with an electric capacity of 800 MW. It began its operation in 2020. An increase in electricity generation by 20-30% was observed because of the advanced tracking solar system.
The fourth phase will become operational in two stages. The first stage has become operational with a capacity of 330 MW. The second stage became operational in 2021 and had a power of 900MW of electricity.
Concentrated Solar Power
This project was launched as a part of Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy to produce 75% of Dubai’s power by 2050. It currently has the capacity of 1000 MW to produce electricity till 2030. The project involves the usage of heliostats to generate concentrated solar power.
This project will surpass the current largest CPS tower which has the power of 150 MW and is situated in Morocco.
It will provide cheaper electricity at less than 8 US cents per kilowatt-hour. It will also help in accomplishing the Paris agreement. According to the agreement, carbon emissions must be reduced by 6.5 million tonnes and the temperature of the country should decrease by two degrees Celsius.
ADVANTAGES OF SOLAR ENERGY IN THE UAE
Solar energy in the UAE has provided many commercial, industrial and residential benefits.
- One of the major reasons many people have switched to solar systems and panels is the increase in electricity bills. However, solar energy tackles this concern since it reduces electricity costs. You can also save the generated power for later use.
- In places like the UAE, solar energy is easy to access and harness at all times, which makes it one of the prominent renewable power resources.
- Solar energy has made a great impact on the sustainability of the UAE’s environment by bringing down pollutants and carbon emissions. It has also allowed the residents to switch to eco-friendly homes.
FUTURE OF SOLAR ENERGY IN THE UAE
The future of solar energy in the UAE seems promising and is rapidly gaining awareness. The above-mentioned solar projects are contributing to the UAE’s aim of achieving renewable energy sustainability. The Emirates also has many other projects like Noor Energy 1, Al-Dhafra solar project and Abu Dhabi PV3 further supporting the goal when they become operational. They would also provide solar energy jobs in the UAE that would benefit the local economy.
Initiatives like these have helped UAE to contribute to the clean energy mix and are increasing with time to reach the goal by 2050.
Solar energy has proved to be a beneficial alternative to renewable energy and shows a promising future in the UAE. It will also help in jumping down the list of the countries most affected by climate change. You can now easily find solar-powered homes in Dubai and other Emirates, which reflect that the concept of a clean energy mix is getting recognition.
In case you’re looking for an apartment for rent in the UAE, it is advisable that you opt for solar and photovoltaic panels that will help you in easing the utility bills and also make a sustainable impact.
Stay tuned to UAE’s leading property blog for more information on solar energy and related projects.
