MENA’s first solar-powered hydrogen project breaks ground at MBR Solar Park
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, has broken ground for a solar-driven hydrogen electrolysis facility at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
This will be the first-ever solar-powered hydrogen project in the MENA region and will be powered using energy from the park. The project is being implemented in collaboration between Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Expo 2020 Dubai, and Siemens. DEWA said in statement that the move supports a green economy and will be built at its outdoor testing facilities in the R&D Centre at the MBR Solar Park.
Commenting on the project, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said that DEWA, Expo 2020 Dubai and Siemens are working together to realise His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision to identify new energy resources and provide sustainable power as part of a balanced approach that prioritises the environment.
“Our aim is to make Dubai a model of energy efficiency and safety,” His Highness added. “Breaking ground on this innovative project represents an important milestone in bringing to life Expo’s key subtheme of Sustainability, as well as its mission to create a meaningful legacy for generations to come.”
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA said: “This pioneering project is a role model for strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors. It will contribute to developing the green economy concept in the UAE and explore the potential of green hydrogen technology.”
He also explained that the hydrogen produced at the facility will be stored and deployed for re-electrification, transportation and other uses.
Siemens’ president and CEO, Joe Kaeser said that the company has pioneered in this space globally, that is generating green hydrogen from renewable energy using Proton Exchange Membrane electrolysis.
DEWA stated that Expo 2020 Dubai will be showing hydrogen mobility by powering fuel-cell vehicles with the hydrogen generated at the facility and provide the Expo visitors a chance to visit the MBR Solar Park with this medium.
The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by dignitaries from government and private sectors. In attendance were, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Humanitarian & Scientific Foundation; HE Suhail Faraj Al Mazroui, Minister of Energy and Industry; HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment and DEWA MD & CEO, Al Tayer.
Other officials who were present during the ceremony were HE Ahmed Al Mehairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; HE Saif Al Falasi, CEO of ENOC; Ahmad bin Shafaar, CEO of Empower; HE Mohammad Abu Nayyan, Chairman of Acwa Power; HE Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director of Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau; Dietmar Siersdorfer, CEO of Siemens in the Middle East and Kaeser, president and CEO of Siemens.
