Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has organised a conference for qualifying international developers who intend to send their proposals for the second project of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to produce 100 MW of electricity. Phase II of the project is expected to be operational by 2017. The tender will close by the end of October 2014.
The conference was aimed at clarifying the details of the last stage of the bid and answer bidders’ questions and enquiries. The project, which will be implemented according to the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, supports the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030.
The conference at the Jumeirah Creekside hotel was attended by a large number of delegates representing 24 developers among 49 international developers who submitted their requests to take part in this important project.
In his keynote speech at the event, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, welcomed the developers and commended their willingness to participate in this vital project which helps to diversify the energy mix in Dubai and supports Dubai’s vision and DEWA’s direction towards clean and renewable energy resources to save the environment and our natural resources for generations to come. He praised the experiences and competencies of the developers who have reached this stage.
Al Tayer noted that the interest of international organisations in this project reflects the international investors’ confidence in DEWA and in the projects supported by the Government of Dubai.
“DEWA is committed to the vision of Vice President and Prime Minister of U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has stressed the importance of diversifying energy resources in Dubai. We support the vision of our wise leadership in achieving the sustainable future of Dubai by adopting the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, launched by the Supreme Council of Energy, which aims to diversify the energy mix by 2030. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is one of the biggest renewable-energy projects in the region at a cost of AED12 billion. It will produce 1,000 megawatts upon completion. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the first phase of the Photovoltaic Power Plant with a capacity of 13 megawatts. It has been connected to DEWA’s grid which covers the whole of the Emirate,” said Al Tayer.
“DEWA implements vital projects to upgrade its infrastructure to establish Dubai’s pioneering position as a global hub for trade, finance, tourism, and sustainability. Dubai’s infrastructure is characterised by efficiency, reliability, and development, and has attracted international investments,” Al Tayer added.
Al Tayer said that DEWA will buy the electricity produced by the station, and it will be the biggest partner in the project. He stressed on DEWA’s strong financial position and its commitment to ensure the success of the project, noting that DEWA has been upgraded lately by Moody’s to Baa2, while Standard & Poor’s has given it BBB classification.
This project is the second phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, one of the most important initiatives for Dubai Government and for DEWA. It is the first project to adopt the IPP model, and the largest of its kind to produce electricity from renewable energy sources in Dubai. By adopting the IPP model, DEWA presents an advanced model, and achieves an important milestone in achieving its strategic goal.
After the keynote speech, DEWA’s technical, finance, and legal experts answered the developers’ enquiries related to the bid, government and bank guarantees, and other technical questions such the ownership and nature of the land, electricity tariff, among other topics.
Source : WAM News Agency for United Arab Emirates
