The UAE unveiled the Al Dhafra Solar Park, now the world’s single-site solar park, ahead of COP28.
The 2-gigawatt (GW) solar farm is 22 miles (35 km) from Abu Dhabi and features almost 4 million bifacial solar panels. It will power nearly 200,000 homes and eliminate over 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
It created 4,500 jobs during the peak of the construction phase, and the solar panels were installed at an average rate of 10 megawatts (MW) a day during construction.
Al Dhafra was jointly developed through Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), French power company EDF Renewables and Chinese solar developer JinkoPower.
TAQA owns 40% of the project, and Masdar, EDF Renewables and Jinko Power own 20%. The solar park will supply electricity to Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) following a compulsory acquisition agreement entered into in 2020.
Now that Al Dhafra is online, the UAE’s solar power generation capacity has increased to 3. 2 GW. In September, EWEC launched a call for proposals to expand a 1. 5 GW solar park in Al Khazna, near Abu Dhabi. The UAE aims to triple its renewable energy capacity to 14 GW by 2030.
The UAE will host COP28 in Dubai, which begins on November 30. That’s why it’s understandable that their leaders are planning the inauguration of the world’s largest solar park just before this occasion: it’s simply clever communication.
The UAE is rightly criticized for putting the CEO of its state-owned oil company, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (the world’s twelfth largest oil company in terms of production) at a rate of COP28. He is also criticized for having COP28 for having a global energy strategy.
The UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 aims for an energy mix of 44% virgin energy, 38% gas, 12% “virgin coal” (yes, that’s what it says) and 6% nuclear. It claims it will be carbon neutral by 2050, but no one knows how to achieve it with 50% fossil fuels.
Later. . .
“It’s said that carbon will be carbon neutral until 2050, but no one knows how to achieve it with 50% fossil fuels. “
. . . I assume it’s because they will only track Scope 1 emissions in their net 0 claim. These Scope 1 emissions do not come with carbon dioxide released when the fuel source is actually burned. They are considered Scope 3 emissions and account for around 90% of all carbon-based energy emissions.
Read more: For the first time, the US sun will produce more electricity than hydroelectric power in 2024
Photo: EWEC
If you’re thinking of opting for sunshine, it’s a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive prices, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to transfer to Sun. You have many pre-screened Sun installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality answers and savings of 20-30% compared to a standalone solution. Plus, it’s free to use, and you may not receive any advertising calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your traditional sun quotes are easy to compare online, and you have access to unbiased energy advisors who will help you every step of the way. Start here. -announcement*
Michelle Lewis is editor of Electrek and DroneDJ, 9to5Mac, and 9to5Google. He lives in White River Junction, Vermont. In the past he worked for Fast Company, The Guardian, News Deeply, Time and others. Message Michelle on Twitter or michelle@9to5mac. com. Check out her private blog.