Shanghai Electric strengthens environmental, social and corporate governance for Dubai MBR solar project
The Shanghai Electric Group has strengthened its environmental, social and corporate governance for Phase 5 of the Mohammed bin Solar Power Plant Construction Project Rashid Al Maktoum (MBR Solar Power Plant) 900 MW from Dubai, and received high praise from Shuaa Energy, the joint venture that is leading the project
Since construction began in August 2020, Shanghai Electric has been committed to strengthening pandemic control measures and ensuring employee safety, as well as involving workers in environmental protection activities. To congratulate the staff for their hard work, Shuaa Energy CEO Omar Hassan presented the 2020 Outstanding Performance Award in the service of the project. He also expressed his gratitude for the efforts made over the past six months and his confidence in the future.
The largest solar power plant in the world
The MBR solar power plant is set to become the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, according to the model of the independent power producer, with a total planned capacity of 5GW and a total investment value of US$136bn a after construction is complete. Once commissioned, the plant is expected to reduce Dubai’s carbon emissions by 6.5 million tonnes per year.
The 900 MW phase 5 of the project will increase the production capacity of the MBR solar power plant to 2,863 MW, which will provide electricity to 270,000 households and offset up to 1.18 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year. So far, 85% of the design work for phase 5 has been completed, and 40% of the construction of the high-voltage power lines have been completed
As a new global benchmark in the solar industry, the MBR Solar Power Plant features some of the most cost-effective solar panels in the world. These latest bifacial photovoltaic solar panels capture sunlight from both sides, while an advanced solar energy tracking system increases production efficiency. It is the most advanced solar power project in the Middle East to date. Its achievement was made possible thanks to the robust and fruitful partnership between Shanghai Electric and ACWA Power, established as part of phase 4 of the plant’s solar thermal energy production project, which aims to advance sustainable development and Dubai’s low carbon emissions.
Pandemic measures for employee safety
As the pandemic persists, Shanghai Electric is taking additional measures to ensure its overseas employees are safe. People posted abroad will have priority to get vaccinated against COVID-19. At the same time, the company also ensures regular disinfection of the office and premises, while the project department always has a full range of pandemic prevention supplies, including masks, personal protective clothing, protective glasses, disinfectants, vitamins, drugs and isolation rooms.
Environmental action and CSR
Shanghai Electric is committed to educating its employees about corporate social responsibility and environmental issues. In August 2020, the company’s Dubai Solar Thermal Power Generation Project department responded to the appeal of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Environmental Protection Organization and participated in its activities recycling programme organised under the theme “My Community, Everybody’s Community”. On this occasion, the project department collected nearly 245 kilograms of recyclable materials.
Through such initiatives, Shanghai Electric seeks to increase its contribution to the sustainable development of the UAE and promote a better future for all.