ABB to integrate more solar power into the Dubai grid

ABB, the Swiss energy and technology consortium, recently was awarded a $20 million contract to expand the solar power capabilities of Dubai’s power grid.

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) aims to diversify energy production in the emirate to meet the needs of a growing population with booming industries while simultaneously moving away from non-renewable energy sources.

The contract will double the net output of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar park from 100 megawatts to 200 megawatts, which is enough electricity to power more than 30,000 homes, serving 130,000 people. The plant will cover more than 4 square kilometers with new photovoltaic cells and will benefit the UAE by producing about 250,000 tons of carbon emissions each year.

“ABB’s advanced technologies will help to efficiently integrate renewable solar energy into the grid, enhancing capacity and reliability of supplies,” Claudio Facchin, president of ABB’s Power Systems division, said. “We are proud to contribute to Dubai and the UAE’s energy diversification initiative, and bring clean energy to meet growing industrial, commercial and residential demand.”

The contract tasks ABB with the design, engineering, supply, installation and commissioning of the power substation extension. The project includes three bays of 400 kilovolt photovoltaic cells and 11 bays of compact 132 kilovolt gas-insulated switchgear.

ABB is scheduled to complete the project in 2016.