GE Supplies Inverters to DEWA's Solar Project in Dubai
Highlighting its support to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government's commitment to sustainable development, GE will provide 220-megawatt (MW) LV5 Series solar inverters for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority's (DEWA) solar project in Dubai, the largest of its kind in the Middle East region.
DEWA's solar project is considered a breakthrough for the solar industry, as the DEWA power purchase contract with ACWA Power had been signed at one of the lowest prices globally of 5.84 US cents/watt without subsidies, making solar power much more competitive compared to other energy sources. The project demonstrates GE's confidence to provide reliable and cost-effective solutions that will make solar power a viable energy source to meet future energy demands in the region.
The inverters are part of a frame agreement between GE and Spanish engineering, procurement and construction company TSK. GE will supply outdoor solar SKIDs to TSK to be installed at the DEWA site, with GE's scope of work including LV5 Series inverters, transformers and switchgears.
Developed for the specific requirements of the Middle East region, GE's solutions have been designed to meet local environmental conditions while also fulfilling stringent demands from DEWA. GE's liquid-cooled inverters are rated for outdoor use and have been conceived to deliver in the harshest of conditions imaginable.
Dalya Al Muthanna, president & CEO, GE Gulf, said, "We're extremely proud to partner with DEWA and TSK on this groundbreaking solar project. Their trust in our technology for their utility-scale project adds weight to the trust shown by various industry players in GE's solar offerings. GE is committed to supporting the UAE's sustainable energy strategy to provide clean power for generations to come, and this project marks an important proof point for that."
Hani Majzoub, renewables sales leader for the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey for GE's Power Conversion business, added, "The Middle East is one of the most promising solar markets in the world, and our commitment to providing sustainable power for our region is highlighted through this project. We will continue to support utilities in the region with innovative technology such as our LV5 Series 1,500V inverters, which provide up to 3 percent cost savings in both CAPEX and OPEX. In addition to technology innovation, GE can also provide financing, long-term service and digital solutions to help enable efficient solar farms."
The delivery of the 220-MW DEWA project is expected to start in summer 2016. GE's involvement in some of the biggest solar projects with key market players strengthens its position as a key technology enabler within the industry. GE has a long history of utility-scale solar projects across the globe, including in countries like Germany, France, Japan, Chile, South Africa and the U.S.
Underlining its commitment to sustainable development, the UAE's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC) to limit its emissions, submitted at the recently concluded COP 21 summit, have set the tone clearer than ever.
In addition, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to make the emirate a global center of green energy.
