Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has invited bids from engineering consultants to advise on the development of a solar power pilot in the emirate.

The project will use photovoltaic solar technology and is to have a capacity of 10MW. Consultants have until 30 November to respond to the request for proposals.

Dewa unveiled plans for a 10-100MW solar power pilot in 2010 and appointed Germany’s Lahmeyer to perform site investigations (MEED 1:7:11). These studies are now complete.

The solar power project is part of an overall strategy to diversify the emirate’s energy mix. The authority is working with the US’ McKinsey & Company with respect to 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.