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Shams Solar Power Station
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energy
The Shams 1 solar power station is located near Madinat Zayed in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and was the largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in the world when it opened in 2013. The facility uses parabolic trough technology to focus sunlight and generate heat, which in turn powers a steam turbine to produce electricity. With an installed capacity of 100 megawatts, Shams 1 provides clean energy to thousands of homes in the United Arab Emirates. The project covers an area of 2.5 square kilometers and consists of over 250,000 mirrors arranged on 768 parabolic trough collectors. By operating this plant, approximately 175,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions are offset annually, equivalent to planting 1.5 million trees. Shams 1 is a milestone in the UAE strategy to significantly increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Location: United Arab Emirates
- Nearby: Madinat Zayed (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 18 | 20 | 24 | 29 | 34 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 34 | 30 | 25 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 5 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Shams is a pioneering parabolic trough solar power station in Abu Dhabi, representing a major milestone in the UAE's transition towards renewable energy generation.
Visiting
As an active industrial energy site, direct public access to the solar arrays is typically prohibited for safety and security reasons. Visitors can usually only appreciate its scale from the outside.
Where to view it
The vast expanse of reflective parabolic mirrors can often be glimpsed from adjacent desert highways, offering a striking contrast against the arid landscape.
Local products
While the facility itself does not sell consumer goods, the surrounding region in Abu Dhabi provides local markets featuring traditional Emirati crafts and locally grown dates.
Active season
The facility is operational year-round, harnessing the intense desert sun, though the cooler winter months are generally the most comfortable time for travelers to explore the surrounding area.
Nearby
A trip to the perimeter of the solar fields can be combined with desert safaris, exploring the dunes of the Empty Quarter, or visiting the cultural sites of Abu Dhabi city.
Geography
Facts
- Commissioned in March 2013 in Abu Dhabi's Western Region.
- Utilizes parabolic trough concentrated solar power technology.
- Has an installed capacity of 100 megawatts of electricity.
- Features more than 250,000 mirrors in its vast solar field.
- Offsets approximately 175,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
- Occupies a total land area of 2.5 square kilometers.
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Notable places around
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Shams?
No, it is a closed facility.
What is special about Shams?
It is a solar thermal power plant in the desert.
Where is it?
In the desert of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Why was it built?
For the production of renewable energy.
Is it touristically relevant?
No, it serves purely the energy sector.
Shams Solar Power Station: where is it located?
Shams Solar Power Station is located in United Arab Emirates.
Shams Solar Power Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Shams Solar Power Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Shams 1 solar power station is located near Madinat Zayed in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and was the largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in the world when it opened in 2013.
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