united arab emirates

UAE utility claims a world first in supplying one of the world's largest aluminium producers with solar power.

Fifth phase of 5GW Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will be deployed by ACWA, GIC-led consortium, chosen last November after tabling bids of US$0.016953/kWh

The solar boom being fostered by UAE, Saudi Arabia and others is fuelling the appetite for imported PV components. Top Chinese makers walk PV Tech's Carrie Xiao through their steps to succeed in a region of megaprojects.

Dubai solar developer walks PV Tech through component suppliers, construction challenges and LCOE benchmarks of plant off the coast of a luxury resort island in the UAE.

Government contract win is the latest in the Caucasus region for UAE player, who was chosen last month by neighbour Armenia to start up solar ecosystem with 400MW push.

Middle Eastern clean energy player will assist with US$300-320m roadmap to deliver large-scale PV pipeline in Caucasus state, which only boasts 50MW up-and-running despite high irradiation.

Duo claim 88,000-panel installation across 60 rooftops represents the largest distributed PV project ever to see the light in Persian Gulf country.

The utility said the winning bid of $1.6953 cents per kWh is a world record for "PV solar power projects based on the IPP model."

In an email exchange with PV Tech, the Dubai utility declined to comment on whether the tariff – allegedly submitted by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's ACWA – was correct, with its CEO telling Bloomberg on Sunday it was "the lowest price worldwide."

Operational kickoff signals latest step of colossal PV venture in Arabian Gulf state, delivered by Marubeni, JinkoSolar and AD Power consortium.