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CHAPTER TWO
Developments of Energy Resourrces
B- Solar Energy in the Arab Countries
Solar energy is available in the Arab countries at more rates that
exceed other countries of the world. Some Arab countries are taking
serious steps in this field.
In
UAE
, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has
awarded a German consultant group an engineering contract for the
overall development of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Solar Park. The group together with its branch office in Abu Dhabi
will build a 1,000 MW capacity solar park at estimated cost of $3.2
billion. The Solar Park is located in Seih Al Dahal on the Dubai to
Al Ain Road
i
.
Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and Siemens Energy
have signed an agreement for cooperation in solar energy technology
research and development to enhance the use of photovoltaic panels
in the region. The joint testing and research activities will focus on
investigating the properties of solar panel coatings. The surfaces of
solar panels at photovoltaic panels plants are regularly exposed to
sand, dust and other forms of soiling. Under the agreement, Siemens
and Masdar Institute will focus on developing coatings and soiling
models for these modules that require less water for cleaning than
current high performance modules. Another target of these joint
efforts is to identify commercial applications for solar technology in
the Middle East region
ii
.
In Bahrain, Petra Solar, Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO)
and Bahrain’s National Oil & Gas Authority (NOGA) have come
together to collaborate on a 5 MW solar energy project. The project
will utilize smart grid technology developed by Petra Solar in order
i
Technical Review Middle East, January, 2012.
ii
Siemens Energy, official website, 18/1/2012.
