A photovoltaic (PV) power plant engineered and constructed by First Solar in Dubai, was recently recognised as the region’s top solar project.

The 13-megawatt first phase of the landmark Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, was named the ‘Solar Project of the Year’ at the Middle East Electricity Awards.

First Solar was selected by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) to provide engineering, procurement and construction services, as well as its advanced thin-film modules. The company connected the plant to the emirate’s electricity grid 195 days after breaking ground in March 2013, said a statement.

The project was the company’s first utility-scale plant in the Middle East and the largest operating solar PV facility in the region.

Anita Mathews, director of Informa Energy Group, organisers of the awards, said: “We congratulate First Solar on their impressive win and applaud each of this year’s Middle East Electricity awards winners and finalists for their contributions to the region’s energy future.

“Diversification of the energy mix is one of the UAE’s top priorities and projects like the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will play an important role in supporting the country’s sustainable development plans,” she added.

Powered by 152,880 First Solar FS Series 3 Black PV modules, the plant generates approximately 24 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, said the statement.

The electricity generated by the power plant will, on average, displace approximately 15,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing about 2,000 cars from the road every year, it said.

Ahmed S Nada, vice president of Business Development, First Solar Mena, said: “We are proud to have had this game-changing power plant recognised as the region’s top solar energy project for 2013. As countries around the Middle East work towards tapping into the power of sunlight, its most abundant energy resource, this power plant has helped establish a benchmark for the development of affordable, reliable solar energy in the region.” - TradeArabia News Service