Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) issued a tender on 24 November for the construction of a solar innovation centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Solar Park.

Contractors have until 29 January 2015 to submit bids for the deal.

The contract for design and project management consultancy was awarded to the US’ Ted Jacobs Engineering Group in July, with UK-based architect Kettle Collective responsible for its landmark, sustainable design. It is scheduled to be completed in November 2015.

Dewa intends to use the centre to develop and showcase solar and sustainable technologies.

The authority is currently evaluating bids for the 100MW second phase of the solar park. When completed, the development will have 1,000MW of solar capacity, after a projected investment of $12bn. It forms part of Dubai’s plans to diversify its power mix by contributing 5 per cent of power generation capacity by 2030.