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

The selected developer will advise on the development of a photovoltaic solar project with a capacity of 10MW, as well as help Dewa devise a solar power plan.

The following firms submitted bids:

• Al-Ruyah International Consulting (UAE) – AED1.96m ($534,000)
• Tractebel (Brussels) – AED3.91m
• Kema (Netherlands) – AED6.16m
• ILF Consulting Engineers (Austria) – AED6.46m
• Fichtner (Germany) – AED8.38m
• Lahmeyer (Germany) – AED9.99m

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 plan 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.