WAM Dubai, 2nd May 2012 (WAM) -- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has received around 150 Expressions of Interest (EOI) from contractors to build its first 10 MW solar PV power plant of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest solar park in the region, which accords with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and his directives to build a sustainable future for the Emirate of Dubai and support the energy diversification strategy adopted by DEWA.

Contractors have sent in EOIs but might not actually be able to submit bids, depending on the final evaluation of the contractors's responding submission to the request for qualification document. The contractors' qualification evaluation process is expected to be completed by end of May 2012.

DEWA invited companies to show interest in the project on 5th April, pre -qualified companies will send the request for proposals by June this year.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, expressed his satisfaction regarding the number of EOIs received from international organizations in this important sector.

"The program aims to prepare and develop qualified UAE Nationals in the areas of Solar Energy, and create new job opportunities for UAE citizens in the fields of research and development , planning, design, construction and operation in solar energy." This project will further enhance the sustainable energy of Dubai and carbon emission reduction and will also promote the use of renewable energy in the country.

Sheikh Mohammed launched the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park at the start of 2012. With an expected 1,000MW capacity and costing Dhs12bn, it is located in Seih Al Dahal on the Dubai-Al Ain Road. This supports the vision of His Highness to promote a sustainable future for the Emirate of Dubai, and the initiatives launched by His Highness to build a "green sustainable economy." It also plans for the preservation of natural resources while protecting the environment from pollution.

DEWA will manage and operate the overall development of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park as part of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030.

WAM/TF