Shams 1 is one of the largest Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant in the world. Developed, owned and operated by Shams Power Company, a joint venture of Masdar (60%), Total (20%) and Abengoa (20%).
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Shams 1 extends over an area of 2.5 km², with a capacity of 100 MW and a solar field consisting of 768 parabolic trough collectors to generate clean, renewable electricity.
Concentrated solar power generates electricity from the heat of the sun rather than sunlight as used by solar photovoltaic technology. Parabolic trough systems use solar thermal collectors in the form of parabolic mirrors with a central tube to concentrate the heat from direct solar irradiation. The heat in turn produces steam to drive a conventional turbine ultimately generating electricity.
Shams 1 will directly contribute towards Abu Dhabi’s target of achieving 7 percent renewable energy power generation capacity by the year 2020. The plant will also contribute toward the diversification of the United Arab Emirates’ energy mix and help reduce the country’s carbon footprint. The plant will displace approximately 175,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent to planting 1.5 million trees or removing 15,000 cars from Abu Dhabi’s roads.
Shams 1 CSP Plant Quick Facts
- Among the largest concentrated solar power plant in the world
- Land area: 2.5 Km2
- Installed capacity: 100 megawatt
- Displaces approximately 175,000 tons of CO₂ annually
- Solar field will consist of 768 parabolic trough collectors
- Construction commenced in June 2010 at Madinat Zayed, 120 kilometres from Abu Dhabi
- Plant set to go online in 2013
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