Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) is evaluating six possible sites for the emirate’s first solar power project.

Dewa unveiled plans to build a solar project last year and appointed Germany’s Lahmeyer to perform site investigations. Dewa will evaluate the locations and intends to launch the tender process shortly.

Dewa is currently looking at the potential for diversifying the emirate’s energy mix

Candidate sites have been identified that might be suitable for photovoltaic and thermal solar projects.  A source at Dewa said that the project could have a capacity of between 10-100MW depending on the chosen technology.

Dewa is currently looking at the potential for diversifying the emirate’s energy mix as part of a strategy review. The authority is working with the US’ McKinsey & Company as part of its Energy Strategy 2030.

In addition to the potential for renewable energy in the emirate, the strategy will consider other options including coal and nuclear power.

Abu Dhabi made headlines last year with the launch of its nuclear project, which was followed by similar announcements from Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.