Which City In Uae Is Solar Powered?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen rapid growth in solar power adoption and capacity in recent years. The country aims to increase the share of clean energy in its total energy mix to 50% by 2050, with solar being a major component. This push towards solar power is driven by the UAE government’s focus on diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the installed solar power capacity in the UAE was around 1.4 GW in 2021, with an expected growth to over 11 GW by 2027. Major solar projects are underway across the seven emirates, with leading developments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The UAE enjoys abundant solar resources, receiving around 5.5 kWh/m2 of solar radiation daily. This makes solar power generation highly efficient and cost-effective. As solar system costs continue to decline globally, the UAE aims to maximize its solar potential to meet rising energy demands sustainably.
Dubai
Dubai has emerged as a leader in renewable energy in the UAE, with the development of the massive Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The solar park, located south of Dubai near the desert, is set to have a planned capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030, making it the largest single-site solar project in the world (source).
Phases 1 and 2 of the solar park were completed in 2013 and 2017 respectively. In October 2022, the latest 270 MW phase was commissioned, bringing the current operational capacity to over 1.8 GW (source). The solar park utilizes photovoltaic solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity and help meet Dubai’s growing energy demands through clean energy. When fully completed, the solar park will reduce Dubai’s carbon emissions by 6.5 million tonnes per year.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has made significant investments in solar energy projects in recent years. One major development is Masdar City, a planned sustainable city project powered by renewable energy including solar power. Masdar City houses the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
In addition, Abu Dhabi is home to the Shams 1 solar plant, which was the largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in the world when it opened in 2013. The 100 megawatt Shams 1 plant uses parabolic trough technology and cost approximately $600 million to construct (United Arab Emirates Solar Energy Market 2024-2032).
Sharjah
Sharjah has emerged as a leader in solar energy adoption in the UAE. According to a 2023 study published in MDPI Sustainability, Sharjah is showing a growing inclination towards adopting renewable energy, with solar installations experiencing an upswing (source). The government of Sharjah has installed solar panels on many public buildings and facilities to generate clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
A major solar project is being launched at the Al Saja’a landfill operated by Bee’ah, the Middle East’s first solar energy landfill. As reported by Gulf Business, the 2MWp solar photovoltaic plant will generate 3,500 MWh of clean energy annually for self-consumption by the waste management complex (source). Sharjah aims to produce 10% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah has undertaken several major solar energy projects in recent years. The most notable is the Solar Campus at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah which features solar panels on rooftops and carports that generate 1.2 megawatts of electricity (source). This covers around 20% of the university’s energy needs. Other major solar energy projects in Ras Al Khaimah include the 11 megawatt solar park at Jebel Ali (source), and a 5 megawatt rooftop solar installation at the Ras Al Khaimah Cement Company.
Ajman
Ajman has emerged as a leader in solar energy in the UAE. The Emirate’s schools and mosques are increasingly turning to solar power as a clean, renewable energy source. According to an article on the Optimal Power Solutions website, “Ajman Rooftop Solar,” several rooftop solar projects have been completed on schools and mosques in Ajman. These off-grid microgrid projects combine solar panels with energy storage batteries to provide cost-effective 24 hour power.
One notable project cited was the rooftop solar installation at the Al Rawdah School in Ajman. Engineers from Optimal Power Solutions developed an innovative control system to maximize solar energy utilization. The school can now meet the majority of its daytime energy needs from the sun. Similarly, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Ajman had a large rooftop solar system installed which provides clean energy for daily operations.
According to an article published on LinkedIn, “Etihad Explores Utility-Scale Solar in Ajman,” plans are underway for even larger scale solar projects in Ajman. The government-owned utility company Etihad Water and Electricity has partnered with the Ajman Chamber of Commerce to develop utility-scale solar farms. One planned solar plant in Al Dakhiliyah aims to be operational by 2025.
Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain has seen some small-scale solar energy projects in recent years. According to Solar Energy in Umm Al Quwain, there are a number of companies providing solar energy equipment and installation services in the emirate. Most of the solar adoption has been for powering individual homes, small businesses, and hotels.
For example, Solar Energy Equipment Suppliers in Umm Al Quwain states they have installed solar panels on villas, labor accommodations, mosques, and small commercial establishments. The solar panels generate electricity to meet part of these facilities’ energy needs.
Additionally, Siema Solar provides solar water heating systems for residential and commercial customers in Umm Al Quwain. They boast reduced electricity bills from solar hot water systems for hotels, villas, apartments, laundromats, and more.
While not at city-scale, Umm Al Quwain has embraced small, distributed solar energy projects to date. With solar costs continuing to fall, adoption is likely to increase in the coming years.
Fujairah
Fujairah has great potential for solar energy due to its location on the east coast of the UAE. It receives high levels of sunlight throughout the year, making it well-suited for solar installations. The emirate has set ambitious goals to increase its renewable energy production in the coming years.
In 2017, Fujairah announced plans to develop 1 gigawatt of renewable energy projects by 2030. A major part of this initiative is to build large-scale solar parks across the emirate. Areas like Sakamkam, Bidyah, and Masafi have been identified as prime locations. The solar potential in Fujairah is so high that these parks could generate twice as much energy compared to other parts of the UAE.
Fujairah is working to attract international solar companies to invest in its renewable energy projects. It has partnered with French utility company Engie to develop the Al Matla solar park, set to produce 500 megawatts starting 2023. With other similar projects in the pipeline, Fujairah aims to meet 10% of its energy needs from renewable sources in the next few years. Its plans to tap into its vast solar resources will help support the UAE’s clean energy targets.
Al Ain
Al Ain is known as the Garden City of the UAE due to its lush greenery and abundance of parks, gardens and trees. It is the second largest city in the Abu Dhabi emirate. As part of Abu Dhabi’s sustainability initiatives, Al Ain has invested heavily in solar energy. According to ReachUAE, there are numerous solar energy equipment suppliers and dealers located in the city to support the adoption of solar power.
Major solar energy projects in Al Ain include a 13MW solar park and a 108MW solar photovoltaic plant. These projects help provide clean energy to power the city. Al Ain also has the largest water reservoir in the country, which is essential for supporting agriculture and green spaces. The reservoir includes a floating solar power facility. Overall, Al Ain serves as a model for sustainable living in the UAE through its integration of solar energy and conservation of natural resources like water.
Conclusion
In summary, the United Arab Emirates has made significant progress in adopting solar power, led by initiatives in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Major solar projects have been implemented in these two emirates, accounting for the vast majority of the UAE’s solar capacity. Other emirates like Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman are starting to follow suit, albeit on a smaller scale. While solar adoption is still relatively limited in northern emirates like Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Al Ain, there is potential for growth in the future. Overall, the UAE has established itself as a pioneer in renewable energy in the Middle East, with solar power being a key focus of its sustainability vision.
