Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) is set to award the tender for the 800-megawatt third project of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park early next year, said a report.

Earlier this month, the utility announced that it has received 21 requests for qualification from international energy companies and consortia for the third project based on the independent power producer (IPP) model, reported Khaleej Times, citing a top Dewa official.

"Dewa will develop, construct, own and operate the 200 MW second phase of the Solar Park at a price of 5.85 cents per kWh," stated its chief executive Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer indicating that any rate below five cents per kWh would be ideal.

Earlier this year, a consortium led by Acwa Power won the contract to develop, construct, own and operate the 200 MW second phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park at a price of 5.85 cents per kWh.

"We expect a better price. It should be below five cents per kWh," Al Tayer stated.

On completion, the Dh50-billion ($13.6 billion) project, which is the largest single-site of its kind in the world, will generate 1,000 MW by 2020, and 5,000 MW by 2030.