By: Utilities Middle east

Arecent report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, in collaboration with COP30 Brazil and the Global Renewables Alliance, revealed that global renewable energy capacity reached a record 582GW in 2024, with solar contributing 452GW. This progress aligns with the UAE Consensus target from COP28 to triple renewable capacity to 11.2TW by 2030.

According to the news report by Zawya, the UAE is demonstrating leadership through projects such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, launched in 2012 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and implemented by DEWA.

The park now has a total capacity of 3,860MW, with plans to exceed 8,000MW by 2030—60 percent above the original target. Its clean energy share has risen to 21.5% and is expected to reach 36 percent by 2030, reducing more than 8.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

DEWA has completed five phases of the solar park and is now implementing the sixth, with a seventh phase underway under the independent power producer (IPP) model. This will add 2,000MW of photovoltaic capacity alongside a 1,400MW battery storage system, making it one of the world’s largest solar-plus-storage projects.

The fourth phase, with 950MW (700MW CSP + 250MW PV), achieved four Guinness World Records: highest capacity single-operator CSP plant, tallest CSP tower, largest thermal energy storage facility, and longest continuous CSP plant operation. These milestones reinforce Dubai’s vision for a green economy built on innovation, sustainability, and advanced technology integration.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said the solar park exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to clean energy, net-zero goals, and advanced technology deployment, including artificial intelligence to double photovoltaic efficiency from 11 to 24% without additional land use. The project positions Dubai as a global hub for renewable energy innovation and sustainable infrastructure.