Dubai switches on 10MW renewables-powered ‘Sustainable City’ project

August 14, 2017
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The Sustainable City already boasts rooftop solar installs upon its residential villas.

A 10MW ‘Sustainable City’ has been switched on in Dubai, with Trina Solar panels helping it to meet all of its power needs from clean sources.

The Sustainable City comprises 500 residential villas, a 170-room hotel, mosque, school, swimming pool and an equestrian club and track and has been billed as one of the largest sustainable cities currently operating in the Middle East.

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Solar is a significant contributor to its power demand, however specially-designed panels had to be used because of Dubai’s harsh climate and environmental conditions.

Trina’s Duomax panels – 40,000 of them – were selected because of its frameless design which limits dust accumulation, and its dual glass feature which makes the panels more durable.

The solar array is expected to produce as much as 16GWh of power each year.

The install has been phased with just over 24,000 panels connected to date in what Anwar Zabin, chief executive at City Solar, described as a “momentous milestone” for the project.

The remaining panels are to be connected at a later date.

Helen Li, president for Asia Pacific and Middle East at Trina Solar, said: “The Sustainable City is a ground-breaking initiative in ensuring that the city's growth and development continues responsibly. With Trina Solar's supply, a significant portion of the residents' energy needs are being met for a cleaner, lower cost, and more sustainable future.” 

7 April 2026
Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
Intersolar Middle East and Middle East Energy are coming together to present the mega energy event for the MENA region. From April 7–9, 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre will host Intersolar Middle East Exhibition and Conference alongside the 50th Middle East Energy. Intersolar Middle East focusses on the areas of photovoltaics, PV production technologies, and energy storage systems. The combined event expects to attract more than 45,000 trade visitors from around the world and feature 1,900+ exhibitors.

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