UAE Dubai Solar Park PV Substation

Project Overview

As part of the Dubai solar expansion under the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2030, QDTB supplied a complete PV substation package: 2 sets of SFZ11-120MVA/110kV PV step-up transformers together with 2 sets of 110kV switchgear.

The technology sample was submitted and approved by the regional partner, qualifying the equipment for use in the Dubai solar program.

Delivered Equipment

The two 120 MVA, 110kV step-up transformers are designed for the duty cycle of utility-scale solar farms, where output ramps rapidly through the day and repeated load swings are normal.

Each transformer is equipped with an on-load tap changer to keep the PV collection voltage stable as irradiance changes, paired with the 110kV switchgear for grid interconnection.

• 2 × SFZ11-120MVA/110kV PV step-up transformers
• 2 × 110kV switchgear
• On-load tap changer for fluctuating solar output
• High-efficiency, low-loss design for long desert-day operation

Engineering Highlights

Solar step-up transformers differ from conventional grid transformers: they must tolerate frequent load ramping and low over-load margins. The 120 MVA units were engineered with an optimized core and cooling layout for the desert climate of Dubai, where ambient temperatures routinely exceed 45°C.

Robust insulation design for the 110kV class ensures stable operation under high ambient temperature and strong solar radiation.

• Duty-cycle design for solar farm load profile
• On-load tap changing for output voltage stability
• Insulation and cooling designed for desert ambient conditions

Approval & Compliance

The technology sample was reviewed and approved by the regional partner, meeting the technical expectations of the UAE market.

Design and testing follow the applicable IEC standards and grid-code requirements for large-scale PV interconnection.

Project Outcome

With the technology sample approved, the package positions QDTB for further PV substation supply in the region as the Dubai 2030 Energy Strategy continues to expand installed solar capacity.