Dubai unveils world's largest concentrated solar power project

The largest concentrated solar power (CSP) project in the world has been unveiled in Dubai, within the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

The project was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The 950-megawatt (MW) fourth phase, which covers an area of 44 square kilometres, uses three hybrid technologies: 600MW from a parabolic basin complex, 100MW from the CSP tower, and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels.

Built at a cost of AED 15.78 billion, the project also features the tallest solar tower in the world (263.126 metres), and the largest thermal energy storage capacity (5,907 megawatt hours), according to the Guinness World Records.

The Molten Salt Receiver (MSR) on top of the solar power tower is the core and most important part of the CSP plant.

It receives solar radiation and turns it into thermal energy. The MSR contains over 1,000 thin tubes that enable the absorption of sun rays and their transfer to the molten salt within these tubes.

This project will provide nearly 320,000 residences with clean and sustainable energy. It will also reduce carbon emissions by about 1.6 million tonnes annually.

.@HHShkMohd inaugurates the world's largest Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project that forms part of the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Covering 44 square kilometres, the AED15.78 billion project features the world’s tallest solar tower standing… pic.twitter.com/nG6wjQ20BN

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 6, 2023

.@HHShkMohd inaugurates the world's largest Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project that forms part of the fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. #Dubai pic.twitter.com/XpU1L3IfRP

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 6, 2023