TECHNOLOGY
of energy and its capabilities in generating this 24 / 7 make it incredibly versatile and powerful ,” says Martin Brown , independent advisor and sustainability consultant at Fairsnape . “ One of the downsides to this type of power is usually its cost ; the plant in California is struggling to achieve its predicted output so the cost of the kWh produced hasn ’ t met the targets yet . This makes it more expensive and impacts on development and uptake .”
This is not a challenge faced by those who are set to benefit from the Dubai-based park as it will be providing power at a levelised tariff – the incredibly competitive rate of $ 7.30 per kWh . This price competes directly with those commonly associated with fossil fuel plants and is one that few other plants can compete with . They are under pressure to recoup the heavy costs that come with investment and infrastructure . The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park rate is the lowest in the world .
The sheer size and scale of this project , along with its predicted cost , sends a signal to the wider market that large-scale CSP is a viable option in decarbonising the economy . The Dubai project is not alone in its efforts ,
“ By building this solar park , Dubai is sending a clear message to the rest of the world that renewables offer competitive opportunities for energy independence and diversification ”
Andrea Masini , Associate Professor of Information Systems and Operations Management at HEC Paris
18 November 2017