Shams 1, the largest concentrated solar power plant currently in operation, was officially opened in March by UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Shams 1, the largest concentrated solar power plant currently in operation, has been officially inaugurated.
Located in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, the 100 MW, grid connected power plant was described by UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a major achievement in the UAE’s goal of energy and economic diversification.
"The inauguration of Shams 1 is a major milestone in our country’s economic diversification and a step toward long-term energy security," he added. "Shams 1 is a strategic investment in our country’s economic, social and environmental prosperity. The domestic production of renewable energy extends the life of our country’s valuable hydrocarbon resources and supports the growth of a promising new industry."
Shams 1 was designed and developed by Shams Power Company, a joint venture of Masdar (60 %), Total (20 %) and Abengoa Solar (20 %). The project reduces the UAE’s carbon emissions, displacing approximately 175000 tonnes of CO2 per year. Covering an area of 2.5 sq km Shams 1 incorporates parabolic trough technology and emp;oys more than 258 000 mirrors mounted on 768 tracking parabolic trough collectors.