Engadget: UAE debuts the world’s largest individual solar power project
Published by John Williams,
Editorial Assistant
Energy Global,
Engadget has reported that the Emirate Water and Electricity Co. has started running Noor Abu Dhabi, the largest individual solar power project in the world. At 1.18 GW of peak capacity, it is only eclipsed by solar parks, which is where multiple projects share space.
Not surprisingly, Abu Dhabi is keen to tout the environmental benefits. It estimates that Noor Abu Dhabi's 3.2 million panels provide enough power for 90 000 people, and will lower CO2 emissions by 1 million t. That's the equivalent of pulling 200 000 cars off the roads, according to the Emirate.
It's hard to deny that the UAE is using the solar farm as a publicity tool. Although it should have a tangible effect on emissions, the reality is that the UAE is still heavily reliant on oil. It recently talked about cutting oil production to balance the market, not to shy away from fossil fuels. It remains an important development, though, and you can expect other record-setting solar projects before long. Emirates Water and Electric has early plans for a 2 GW solar project, and Saudi Arabia has a basic agreement for 2.6 GW of solar power in Mecca.
Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/solar/03072019/engadget-uae-debuts-the-worlds-largest-individual-solar-power-project/
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