Global Renewables Expand as UAE Mega Solar Projects Efforts Clean Energy Progress

Dubai’s expanding solar park supports the UAE’s move toward clean energy and progress toward 2050 net-zero plans.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), working together with the COP30 Brazilian Presidency and the Global Renewables Alliance stated that global renewable energy capacity rose to an extraordinary 582 GW in 2024 with solar power contributing 452 GW. A leading footstep toward reaching the UAE agreement aim of establishing COP28 in Dubai has been taken with this achievement.

In this worldwide deceleration, the UAE continues to establish itself as a leader in clean energy due to important efforts that promote modernization and sustainable development. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, created by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and introduced in 2012 on HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's orders is a necessary part of this project. The solar park's entire capacity is now expected to surpass 8,000 MW by 2030 a wide rise from the first 5,000 MW assessments. Its present production capacity is 3,860 MW.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA specified clean energy presently makes up 21.5% of DEWA's total capacity; this will increase to 36% by 2030 from the initial target of 25%. The solar park is a worldwide example for sustainable infrastructure and for influencing the future of the energy sector. Yearly the solar parks will compensation for a decrease of about 8.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions. This project represents the UAE leadership's goal to improve the nation's standard in the international clean energy arena.

The project supports national advantages expected at achieving 100% clean energy production in Dubai by the middle of the century such as the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. By using modern technology like AI and the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, DEWA has doubled photovoltaic panel efficiency from 11% to 24%, allowing for improved output without the need for more land.