Dubai will be launching on 22 Oct 2013, the first phase of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, a project of Dubai?s energy diversification initiatives to meet the renewable resource contribution targets. Built at a cost of US$ 3 billion+ and located at Seih Al-Dahal, Dubai, the park will generate 13MW of Solar energy which will be directly linked to Dubai Electricity and Water Authority?s grid. The Solar park is spread over an area of 40.45 square kilometers.

The park has a planned capacity of 1,000MW on final completion by 2030. Solar power systems generate no air pollution during operation, the damage to environment and health is minimum. Using solar power will reduce the Carbon footprint compared to the usual methods using fossil fuels.

The park is commissioned with the energy diversification strategy of reducing Carbon footprint, converting desert wastelands into a natural resource environment, promoting sustainability and preserve earth?s natural resources by using renewable resources in electricity generation. The park is targeted to avoid carbon emission by 1 million tons per year when producing 1000 MW of solar energy with 2000 hours operation.

The project also has a vision to improve the expertise in the field of solar and renewable energy and increase social awareness about climate change and sustainable energy. The park also will help promote research and development and involve local universities and colleges in the field of renewable energy. When fully completed, the park will have a research and development center, an educational institute and a museum of technology. The park is the first and largest one of its kind in the region.

"Dewa is looking forward to another great achievement with the launch of the first phase of the Solar Park on October 22," Dewa MD and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said at a press conference  on Thursday. "This project is gigantic in scope and represents a new knowledge and engineering landmark, which will provide us with clean renewable energy and promote our relentless efforts to explore more promising opportunities," Al Tayer said.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, will inaugurate the project and announce the details of the power production in the next phase.