{"id":3248,"date":"2026-02-25T10:59:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T07:29:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/?p=3248"},"modified":"2026-02-25T11:17:46","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T07:47:46","slug":"strategic-convergence-in-clean-energy-china-uae-cooperation-in-solar-energy-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/strategic-convergence-in-clean-energy-china-uae-cooperation-in-solar-energy-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Strategic Convergence in Clean Energy: China\u2013UAE Cooperation in Solar Energy Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ali Javaheri, PhD Student of Regional Studies, Allameh Tabataba\u2019i University<\/em><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/span><\/h2>\n

Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has adopted ambitious energy policies aimed at becoming a regional leader in the transition toward renewable energy in the Persian Gulf. Although the country remains one of the world\u2019s major oil producers, it has recognized global trends and the gradual decline of oil\u2019s central role in the world economy. Accordingly, the UAE seeks to use revenues from oil exports to invest in the development of modern infrastructure, including renewable energy, clean technologies, and other strategic sectors.<\/p>\n

This approach aims to strengthen the country\u2019s economic foundations, ensure long-term stability, and preserve its financial and sovereign capacities\u2014particularly as the population grows and demand for sustainable energy, water, and urban infrastructure increases. Such investments can enhance economic resilience, reduce vulnerability to fluctuations in energy markets, and create new competitive advantages for the UAE in the post-oil era.<\/p>\n

In this process, the UAE has opened the door to international cooperation, enabling leading clean energy companies to enter its market. Among these actors, China\u2014with its complete supply chain of solar and wind technologies and extensive experience in implementing large-scale projects\u2014has become one of the UAE\u2019s key partners. The development of large-scale renewable energy projects in the UAE has also created important strategic opportunities for China and its leading companies. These projects not only expand China\u2019s export market for clean energy technologies but also, within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, deepen Beijing\u2019s economic and technological influence in the Middle East.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Framework of China\u2013UAE Cooperation in Renewable Energy<\/span><\/h2>\n

In recent years, both sides have agreed to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy alongside traditional sectors such as oil, gas, investment, and infrastructure. China emphasizes the synergy between the \u201cBelt and Road Initiative\u201d and the UAE\u2019s \u201cWe the UAE 2031\u201d vision and the \u201cPrinciples of the 50,\u201d in order to facilitate sustainable development and the transition toward a green economy in the UAE. This shared framework reflects the determination of both countries to upgrade their comprehensive strategic partnership and to capitalize on mutual capacities.<\/p>\n

Within this framework, China plays an active role in enhancing the UAE\u2019s technical infrastructure by relying on its technological capabilities and high production capacity of clean energy equipment. These collaborations have led to knowledge transfer, the development of specialized skills, and the strengthening of domestic capacities in renewable energy in the UAE.<\/p>\n

In addition, joint investments in large-scale projects\u2014such as solar power plants, energy storage facilities, and smart grids\u2014serve as key instruments for deepening economic ties and reducing financial risks. These investments are often implemented through public\u2013private partnerships or multinational consortia. Overall, this model of cooperation reflects the political and economic will of both countries to play an effective role in the global transition toward a low-carbon economy and the achievement of sustainable development goals.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Major Cooperative Projects in Renewable Energy<\/span><\/h2>\n

Al Dhafra Solar Power Plant<\/span><\/h1>\n

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), together with their foreign partners EDF Renewables and Jinko Power, developed the Al Dhafra Solar Power Plant project. The plant operates under a diversified ownership structure: 40 percent of the shares belong to TAQA, 20 percent to Masdar, and the remaining 40 percent is equally divided between the Chinese and French companies.<\/p>\n

In 2020, China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) signed a contract worth approximately one billion US dollars with the Al Dhafra project consortium. Under this agreement, CMEC, as the main contractor, assumed responsibility for design, equipment supply, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and other related services for the solar power plant and its supporting facilities. This extensive cooperation demonstrates China\u2019s strategic role in developing renewable energy infrastructure in the UAE.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park<\/span><\/h1>\n

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is one of the largest renewable energy projects in the world, located near Dubai. To date, five phases have been completed, with a current capacity of about 3.86 gigawatts. Phase VI (1.8 GW) is under construction, and Phase VII (2 GW) is at the bidding stage. Once all phases are completed by 2030, the total capacity of the park will exceed 8 gigawatts.<\/p>\n

According to available information, Chinese companies have played a major role in Phases IV, V, and VI of the project and are likely to participate in Phase VII as well. In Phase IV, Shanghai Electric served as the main contractor, responsible for design, equipment supply, and project implementation. This phase, with a capacity of 950 megawatts, was carried out under harsh climatic conditions, including temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

The construction of a 262-meter solar tower and the deployment of 70,000 heliostats in Phase IV clearly demonstrate the technical and engineering capabilities of Chinese companies in renewable energy and serve as a model project under the Belt and Road Initiative. Shanghai Electric was also the contractor for Phase V of the solar park, with a capacity of 900 megawatts. In Phase VI, another Chinese company, Astronergy, became responsible for supplying next-generation solar modules.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n

An examination of major solar energy projects in the UAE shows that China, as a strategic partner, has played a key role in developing the country\u2019s infrastructure. Chinese companies have not only been deeply involved in large-scale projects such as Al Dhafra and various phases of the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park, but have also contributed to improving project efficiency through the supply of advanced technologies.<\/p>\n

Although Middle Eastern markets cannot replace major markets such as the United States or Europe for China, cooperation with regional countries has provided valuable opportunities for maintaining market share and expanding China\u2019s technological influence, particularly at a time when exports of China\u2019s clean energy products face restrictions such as heavy US tariffs. This cooperation is especially significant within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to deepen economic and infrastructural ties with key Middle Eastern countries.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, the continuation of this cooperation in the future may face challenges such as increasing competition from international actors, regional geopolitical developments, and pressures arising from Western trade policies\u2014factors that could affect the sustainability and expansion of this partnership.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

References<\/h2>\n

Jonathan Touri\u00f1o Jacobo (2022), Shanghai Electric completes phase B of 900MW solar park in Dubai<\/em>, PV Tech, September 5, available at:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.pv-tech.org\/shanghai-electric-completes-phase-b-of-900mw-solar-park-in-dubai\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Market Screener (2020), China Machinery Engineering Corporation Enters into Contract with EDF Renewables and Jinko Power Consortium in Respect of the Al Dhafra PV2 Solar Power Plant in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi<\/em>, Published on 12\/29\/2020, available at:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/sa.marketscreener.com\/quote\/stock\/CHINA-MACHINERY-ENGINEERI-12212398\/news\/China-Machinery-Engineering-Corporation-Enters-into-Contract-with-EDF-Renewables-and-Jinko-Power-Con-33572044\/?utm_source=copilot.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Masdar (2023), Al Dhafra Solar PV<\/em>, available at:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/masdar.ae\/en\/renewables\/our-projects\/al-dhafra-solar-pv?utm_source=copilot.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (PRC) (2025), Joint Press Release on\u2002the Talks between the Foreign Ministers of the People’s Republic of China\u2002and the\u2002United Arab Emirates<\/em>, December 15, available at:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.fmprc.gov.cn\/mfa_eng\/wjbzhd\/202512\/t20251216_11773565.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Ministry of Economy and Tourism of the United Arab Emirates (2024), UAE and China agree to strengthen collaboration in new economy, entrepreneurship, tourism, technology, circular economy, aviation, and logistics transport<\/em>, February 27, available at:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.moet.gov.ae\/en\/-\/uae-and-china-agree-to-strengthen-collaboration-in-new-economy-entrepreneurship-tourism-technology-circular-economy-aviation-and-logistics-transport<\/a><\/p>\n

Solar PACES (2022), Shanghai Electric CSP starts sending overnight solar power to Dubai grid<\/em>, December 04, available at:<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.solarpaces.org\/shanghai-electric-csp-starts-sending-overnight-solar-power-to-dubai-grid\/<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ali Javaheri, PhD Student of Regional Studies, Allameh Tabataba\u2019i University Introduction Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has adopted ambitious energy policies aimed at becoming a regional leader in the transition toward renewable energy in the Persian Gulf. Although the country remains one of the world\u2019s major oil producers, it has recognized […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":3245,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[53,78,69],"tags":[],"coauthors":[116],"class_list":["post-3248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-notes-en","category-trade-and-investment-commission","category-young-researchers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3248","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3248"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3248\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3257,"href":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3248\/revisions\/3257"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3245"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3248"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3248"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3248"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iranbri.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=3248"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}