Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has launched the final stage of bidding for the third phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park by inviting developers to a conference to clarify details of the Dh50-billion ($13.6 billion) project.

The conference was aimed at qualifying international developers who intend to send their proposals for the third phase of the solar park which will produce 800 MW of electricity on completion.

The project will develop electricity production techniques by using solar energy and its capacity will reach 1,000 MW by 2020 and 5,000 MW by 2030, said a statement from the Dubai utility.

The solar park is the largest single-site strategic renewable energy project of its kind in the world, based on the independent power producer (IPP) model.

The first phase with a capacity of 13 MW became operational in 2013, while the 200 MW second phase will be come alive by 2017 followed by the final phase with 800 MW which will be operational by 2020.

To be implemented as per the IPP model, the project is aimed at achieving a reduction of 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, thus supporting the Dubai government’s green initiatives and programmes, it stated.

According to Dewa, the conference helped clarify details of the last stage of the bid and answer the technical, financial and legal questions and enquiries of the companies.

Welcoming the preferred bidders, Dewa's managing director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: "The interest shown by large international companies in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park reflects their trust in projects supported by the Government of Dubai."

Al Tayer lauded their willingness to participate in this important project, which will help to diversify the energy mix in Dubai, provide promising opportunities, and guarantee a brighter future for everyone.

He also praised the perseverance and abilities of the developers to have reached this stage.

On the second phase, Al Tayer said: "Dewa has set a world record by obtaining the lowest price globally, at $5.6 cents per kilowatt (kW), for Phase Two which will be operational in April 2017 using the IPP model,” said Al Tayer.

“This meeting highlights the importance of unifying all relative government, and private organisations. In line with the UAE Vision 2021, and Dubai Plan 2021, to set a roadmap of ambitious initiatives and developmental projects, we work to provide the best government services and implement the best international practices to make people as satisfied and happy as possible,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service