Vast expanses of solar panels, arranged in symmetrical patterns across the desert landscape, create a shimmering field that stretches as far as the eye can see. Amid the sea of panels is a tall vertical structure, reaching significant heights and shining brightly in broad daylight. Surrounding this structure is a system of smart mirrors strategically positioned to track the sun's movement and reflect concentrated sunlight onto the top of the tower.
Located in Saih Al-Dahal, approximately 50km south of the city of Dubai, is the marvel known as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park—the world's largest renewable project based on independent power producer (IPP) model. Owned by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and sprawling over a total area of 77 km², it stands as the largest single-site solar park globally. With an ambitious mission to produce 5,000MW by 2030, entirely from renewable energy sources, and a total investment of AED 50 billion, the park aims to reduce more than 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually upon completion.
As global leaders, scientists, activists, and diverse stakeholders gather for discussions at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, scheduled from November 30 to December 12, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will stand as one of the premier renewable energy projects showcased by the Emirate and will serve as a testament to UAE’s commitment to climate goals.
It was in 2021 that the United Arab Emirates launched a compelling programme aiming at achieving net zero emissions by 2050—with an estimated spending of 600 billion dirhams ($163 billion) in renewable energy. When they did that, the UAE became the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to launch such a concrete initiative. Mohammad Ahmad Jame, Acting VP- Clean Energy and Diversification, DEWA, says that the solar park’s projects have a crucial role to play in supporting this strategy, which is intended to achieve a sustainable economy.
The solar park has been developed in multiple phases, with different capacities added in each phase. The park uses a combination of solar photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies to generate electricity. The total capacity of the projects under construction at the solar park is 433MW, from CSP technology.
The 13MW first phase uses PV panels and became operational in October 2013. The sixth phase which is expected to reduce 2.36 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually is envisaged as a 1,800MW phase. In the advanced phases, DEWA implemented solar tracking systems, smart grid technologies, and energy storage solutions to maximize efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The DEWA spokespersons told THE WEEK during a visit to the solar park in Dubai that DEWA also provides strategic partnerships with global companies and organisations in integrating renewable energy and distributed generation in the electricity grid, the Internet of Things (IoT), using AI in energy production units, energy efficiency, cybersecurity, robotics, and smart buildings. For instance, Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer goods companies, has been using DEWA's electricity and collaborating with DEWA to support sustainability and reduce Dubai's carbon footprint through various initiatives. In 2013, DEWA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Unilever, which included a commitment from Unilever to activate energy-saving devices and promote water conservation. In 2019, DEWA signed another agreement with Unilever to sell 20,757 of its International Renewable Energy Certificates (i-REC) to the company. The i-RECs are certified, tradeable credits in the renewable energy markets that can be purchased and sold between different parties. They are an internationally recognized standard for documenting renewable energy consumption. With the purchase of i-RECs from DEWA, Unilever Middle East has been enabled to cover 100 per cent of its electricity consumption in the region with renewable energy. Unilever also has a strategy to be carbon-neutral in all its operations by 2030, and DEWA is an important partner for the firm to achieve this target.
Interestingly, some firms have commissioned their own solar plants to contribute to the 2050 net zero vision of the COP28 host. For instance, in 2022, Daikin Middle East and Africa, a leading manufacturer of air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and refrigeration solutions, and a signatory of the ‘Climate-Responsible Companies Pledge’ to achieve net zero by 2050, commissioned a 515 kWp (Kilowatt-peak) solar plant at their JAFZA Dubai headquarters. The close to 1,000 solar panels that have been installed on the roof of Daikin’s facility meet more than 80 per cent of the company’s energy consumption needs.
Indian professional Sanjeev Maheshwari, General Manager- Service, Solution and Refrigeration at Daikin Middle East and Africa, says that Daikin has also introduced innovative technologies, especially in the HVAC-R domain, to reduce emissions from its products. The company emphasises that its R32 technology is a game-changer in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The R-32 refrigerant is considered a balanced refrigerant that has several environmental benefits, including reduced electricity consumption and lower global warming potential. R-32 has a global warming potential (GWP) that is one-third lower than other widely used refrigerants, such as R-22 and R-410A. Daikin has successfully applied R-32 to air conditioners by leveraging its expertise as the only manufacturer that develops and manufactures both air conditioners and refrigerants.
The Sustainable City in Dubai, constructed by Diamond Developers—a private sector real estate company that is spearheading the sustainable building movement—is another unique green initiative that Dubai presents to the world.
Marwa Nahlawi, General Manager of Diamond Developers, says TSC is designed to be an operational net zero energy city, aiming to become an international showcase for sustainable living. Located on the outskirts of Dubai, the community spans an area of 46 hectares and contains 500 villas grouped into five residential clusters. These residential clusters are connected to an urban farm that runs the length of the city. Each cluster comprises 90 Courtyard Villas, eight Garden Villas, and two Signature Villas, and these are occupied by 2,700 residents. The city also has a school, an equestrian centre, and a centre—Sanad Village—to provide a holistic and comprehensive approach towards autism spectrum disorders. The city’s mosque which can accommodate 700 worshippers, is designed with tech to minimise energy and water consumption and is cooled using a high-efficiency AC system.
11 biodome greenhouses are running the length of the Central Green Spine, with a total capacity of over 3,000 square metres for urban farming. The city has a 10-metre-high buffer zone running along the periphery of the development with trees scattered in multiple layers. This is to purify the air coming into the city. In total, the city has 10,000 productive and non-productive trees.
The most distinctive feature of The Sustainable City Dubai, however, lies in its renewable energy system. The heart of the community's power supply lies in a 10-megawatt solar farm, adorned with over 40,000 solar panels. This robust solar infrastructure is the driving force behind sustaining the entire community, encompassing residences, along with public amenities such as schools, malls, and hospitals. It's worth noting that any surplus energy generated by the solar farm finds its way back to the grid, solidifying The Sustainable City Dubai's status as a net energy exporter.
In tandem with this energy prowess, the community proudly exhibits an innovative water management system. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like greywater recycling, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater treatment, the community tactically curtails water consumption. A specifically designated wastewater treatment plant undertakes the task of processing sewage from residents, converting it into high-quality recycled water earmarked for irrigation and landscaping.
Furthermore, a subterranean rainwater harvesting system diligently stores rainwater in underground tanks, subsequently repurposing it for non-potable functions such as toilet flushing and car washing.
Marwa points out that by taking proactive steps toward environmental responsibility, Sustainable City Dubai implements measures to reduce its carbon footprint. A fleet of electric vehicles stands as an eco-friendly mode of transportation within the community. Moreover, a designated car-free zone mandates residents to park at the entrance and rely on electric buggies for local mobility. The community actively encourages the use of bicycles for transportation, complete with dedicated bicycle lanes sprawling across its expanse.
The city's Sustainable Plaza, spanning 15,000 square metres, stands near the entrance. It comprises five low-rise blocks housing shops, restaurants, cafes, offices, and apartments available for lease. Beyond generating revenue, the plaza serves as a retail hub, offering ample services to meet the community's needs. The city also comprises a “Positive energy building”—SEE Institute, which provides a state-of-the-art amphitheatre for 700 people, as well as a spacious atrium for exhibitions. Over its anticipated 50-year lifespan, the building is projected to produce 140 per cent of its energy needs, effectively offsetting emissions throughout construction, operation, and decommissioning. The city's distinctive villas boast a diverse resident population hailing from various parts of the world. In a recent accolade, Sustainable City Dubai was honoured as the "Happiest community" in the GCC at the inaugural Gulf Real Estate Awards, presented by the Dubai Land Department earlier this year.
The upcoming COP will have a primary task to evaluate progress toward the Paris Agreement's ambitious goal of capping the global temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius. And, Dubai presents initiatives like The Sustainable City—a community that has taken a “2 degrees pledge”, intended to limit the temperature rise—as one of their strong examples to show their commitment to this big fight to save the world.
