Dubai joins floating PV race with call for consultants

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The floating scheme comes to join Dubai's efforts with ground-mounted and rooftop solar PV (Credit: Flickr / Serguei Gussev)

Dubai could add its name to a growing list of floating PV markets worldwide after outlining plans to explore the feasibility of projects.

Over the weekend, state utility DEWA released a request for proposals (RFP) calling for consultants to inform a potential roll-out of the technology in the United Arab Emirates city.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The firms chosen will carry out a feasibility study of floating PV, analysing in the process the technical requirements an eventual installation would entail.  

The consultant, DEWA added, will examine environmental impacts, the deployment of transmission infrastructure, safety guidelines, the plant’s performance and seawater feasibility.

Describing floating PV as one of the “most prominent emerging technologies,” DEWA CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said the RFP comes as part of plans to make Dubai the world's least carbon-intensive city.

Floating to join Dubai’s ground-mounted, rooftop push

DEWA did not shed at this stage any light on the floating designs that may be considered.

BayWa r.e., Ocean Sun and the other firms deploying projects in other markets to date have opted for alternatives including HDPE platforms and non-permeable membranes.

The global market for floating PV, estimated at 1.1GW-plus last year, is quickly gathering steam in Asia, Africa, Europe, the US and island territories.

Should a floating plant be finally built in Dubai, it would join existing projects on land and building rooftops.

Since the early 2010s, the Persian Gulf city has worked to deploy what it bills as the largest single-site solar installation worldwide. The so-called Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar scheme, under construction south of the city, aims to roll out 5GW by 2030.

Rooftop panels are being installed in parallel, with a target to cover 10% of UAE nationals’ homes next year. China-based Znshine is among those landing module orders for the residential roll-out.

Read Next

July 28, 2025
French energy major TotalEnergies has begun the construction of its 1GW solar farm in the Basra region of southern Iraq. 
July 22, 2025
The investigation launched on polysilicon under Section 232 could present the biggest supply chain challenge to the US solar industry, according to analyst Wood Mackenzie.
July 15, 2025
Greater policy clarity will be needed if Germany is realise its FPV potential, according to a report from Fraunhofer ISE.
July 15, 2025
Malaysian utility company Tenaga Nasional Berhad has officially launched a floating solar pilot project, which could help unlock 2.2GW of generation capacity.
July 14, 2025
ACWA Power has signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) for five solar PV projects in the country.
July 7, 2025
Chinese energy giant China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation, also known as Sinopec, has commenced operations at a 7.5MW offshore floating PV plant in China.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 2, 2025
Mexico City, Mexico
Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK