Ongoing project · Dubai, UAE
Active development

VEC LLC / VINCI FR
Solar Initiative

An 18MW solar installation across 120 acres of reclaimed desert land on the outskirts of Dubai — a $20 million joint development between VEC LLC and VINCI FR, forming part of the UAE's net-zero 2050 commitment.

18MW
Installed capacity
120ac
Site area
$20M
Project value
4,500
Homes powered
Project overview

Reclaiming desert land for clean power generation

The VEC LLC/VINCI FR Solar Initiative represents a landmark collaboration between Vanhinsbergh Energy Conservation and VINCI FR, combining VEC's ecological engineering expertise with VINCI FR's infrastructure development capability to deliver one of Dubai's most ecologically considered solar installations.

The site — 120 acres of previously degraded desert land on Dubai's southern perimeter — has been subject to a full ecological baseline survey and a binding remediation plan. All civil works are carried out under VEC's zero net-harm protocol, with soil stabilisation and native desert flora reintroduction scheduled alongside panel installation.

Upon commissioning, the array will supply clean power to approximately 4,500 homes and displace an estimated 28,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually from Dubai's grid.

Project details
LocationDubai, UAE
TechnologyUtility-scale PV Solar
Capacity18MW
Site area120 acres
Project value$20,000,000
Homes powered~4,500
CO₂ displaced28,000 t/yr
Joint partnerVINCI FR
StatusActive development
Project timeline

Development milestones

Q1 2023
Site acquisition & ecological baseline
120-acre site secured. Full ecological baseline survey completed by VEC field team. Soil composition, flora, and groundwater mapping concluded.
Completed
Q1 2025
Planning approvals & partnership agreement
Full planning consent received from Dubai Municipality. Joint development agreement signed between VEC LLC and VINCI FR.
Completed
Q3 2025
Civil works & ground preparation
Site clearance, access road construction, and cable trenching completed. Soil stabilisation works underway across eastern quadrant.
Completed
Q3 2026 — Present
Panel installation & electrical works
Mounting structure installation underway. Panel deployment in progress across western quadrant. Inverter station foundation complete.
In progress
Q4 2026
Grid connection & commissioning
132kV grid connection to Dubai's distribution network. Full system commissioning and performance testing.
Upcoming
Q1 2027
First export & ecological handover
First clean energy export to the Dubai grid. Ecological remediation plan activated. Native desert flora reintroduction begins.
Upcoming

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