STORY: Chinese companies help drive UAE's clean energy transition
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Jan. 9, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:07
LOCATION: Abu Dhabi
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park
2. various of the Al Dhafra Solar PV Plant

STORYLINE:

Driving south from Dubai toward the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, a dazzling light sphere comes into view from over 20 km away in the desert.

This extraordinary sight, which resembles an artificial sun, is the world's tallest solar power tower. The 263-meter structure was built by Shanghai Electric Group as part of a hybrid concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) project.

Unlike traditional PV plants, which cannot generate power under low sunlight conditions, CSP uses advanced thermal storage systems to enable power generation around the clock.

Through advanced technology, China is harnessing solar energy to meet the clean energy needs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Despite its vast oil reserves, the UAE has remained committed to advancing a clean energy transition. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 aims for carbon neutrality by mid-century, necessitating significant investments in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. As a global leader in renewable energy technology, China has become a natural partner in this ambitious endeavor.

In recent years, Chinese companies have played a pivotal role in the UAE's clean energy development. From large-scale solar projects to the first wind energy demonstration projects, Chinese technology and expertise have been integral to the UAE's energy transition.

Shanghai Electric Group's CSP-PV hybrid project in the Dubai desert is a flagship achievement. Fully operational since December 2023, the solar power project reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1.6 million tons annually and has already generated over 3.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity - enough to meet the needs of 320,000 local households.

Another landmark project is the Al Dhafra Solar PV Plant, built in Abu Dhabi by China Machinery Engineering Corporation. Covering 21 square km, this facility is the world's largest single-site solar PV plant and has an installed capacity of 2.1 gigawatts. Operational since June 2023, the project generates enough electricity to power 200,000 households annually while reducing carbon emissions by 2.4 million tons each year. During its construction, the plant created over 5,000 local jobs.

Chinese enterprises are also venturing into wind energy in the UAE. In May 2023, PowerChina completed the UAE's first wind power demonstration project.

Spanning over 700 km across complex terrains including islands, deserts, and mountains, the project generates enough electricity annually to power 23,000 households while reducing carbon emissions by 120,000 tons.

These clean energy initiatives reflect deepening cooperation between China and the UAE in energy transition and sustainable development. Leveraging their technological, equipment, and management expertise, Chinese companies are pivotal to fulfilling the UAE's energy ambitions while offering Chinese solutions to global climate challenges.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Abu Dhabi.
(XHTV)