UAE to build $ 3.3 bln solar park in Dubai

The United Arab Emirates is planning to build a US$3.3 billion solar park designed to produce 1,000 megawatts of power by 2030.
The first bids for the construction a 10-megawatt unit will be issued during the 3rd quarter of 2012 by the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA).
Dubai, which has 9,000 megawatts of power generation capacity, wants to increase solar output to 1 pc of its overall energy production by 2020 and 5 pc by 2030 while nuclear power and coal- fired output are expected to account for 12 pc each.
The UAE, like other Arab Gulf countries heavily depending on oil, is endeavoring to diversify its energy mix and sources to reduce its reliance on fuel for power generation and meet increasing local demand for power.
According to estimates of the World Energy Council, Arab Gulf countries will require 100 GW of additional power over the next 10 years to meet growing demand. The power sector will need $50 billion investments in new power generating capacity and $20 billion in desalination.