First Solar has been selected by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) to construct a 13-MW (MWDC) solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Seih Al Dahal, approximately 50 km south of Dubai.

Under the terms of the agreement, First Solar will provide engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services as well as its advanced thin-film PV modules.

The 13-MW solar PV power plant is the first phase of the landmark Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, named after the leader of Dubai.

The Dh12-billion ($3.26 billion) park is expected to eventually cover 48 sq km and produce 1,000 MW of clean energy for the national grid using both PV and solar thermal technology.

The 13-MW power plant is expected to generate more than 22 million kilowatt hours (KWH) of electricity per year on an average, enough to meet the average annual needs of more than 500 local households. Electricity generated by the plant on average will displace more than 14,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually.