The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently inaugurated the Al Dhafra solar power plant, among the world's largest, signaling a shift in their energy policy. Located 30 kilometers south of Abu Dhabi, the plant spans 21 square kilometers with 4 million photovoltaic panels, boasting a 2-gigawatt production capacity. This can power around 160,000 homes, reducing emissions by almost 2 million tonnes annually.

The project, a collaboration involving UAE state-owned companies, China’s Jinko Power Technologie, and France’s EDF Renouvelables, emphasizes environmental benefits. Despite strides in renewables, the UAE plans to raise oil production from three to five million barrels daily by 2027, prompting questions about environmental coherence, particularly concerning the commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050.

The Al Dhafra plant employs advanced technologies, increasing efficiency by 20%, including mobile solar panels cleaned by robots. Masdar’s Director of Operations, Abdulaziz Al-Obaidly, highlights these innovations.

Sultan Al Jaber, head of Masdar and chairman of COP28, plays a pivotal role, embodying the challenges and opportunities in the UAE's energy transition, positioned at the nexus of the oil industry and renewable energies.

In summary, the Al Dhafra solar power plant inauguration illustrates the complexity of the UAE's energy transition, balancing strides in renewables with plans for increased oil production. COP28 will assess their commitment to combating climate change.

Based on: https://energynews.pro