Noor Energy 1: One step closer to a ‘Carbon Free Future’

Written by Crystal Jang

Is a ‘carbon-free future’ truly achievable? Introduced in November 2015, Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 directly addresses this objective, aiming to increase the employment of renewable energy sources to 75% by 2050. One of their main projects include Noor Energy 1, which is the largest CSP plant existing.

Technology 

Noor Energy 1 uses three types of solar energy manipulation technologies, including CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) , PT (Parabolic Trough), and PV (Photovoltaic).

CSP (Concentrated Solar Power)

70,000 Heliostats surrounding the central tower Image source: Noor Energy

The main structure of Noor Energy 1 consists of a tall central tower, heliostats, specialized molten salt mixture, and turbines. Heliostats are large mirrors that redirect sunlight - in this case, to the top of the tower where the insulated tank containing the salt mixture is at. When the mixture is faced with immense heat from the heliostats, the temperature can rise up to 560C^o, producing steam for the turbines.

PT (Parabolic Trough)

1 Unit of Parabolic Trough with 21,200 mirrors Image source: Noor Energy

Located around the CSP system, the parabolic trough also generates power using mirrors. The parabolic shaped mirrors focus sunlight onto absorber tubes placed at the centre of the mirror, which contains HTF (Heat Transfer Fluid) that is designed to absorb and maintain heat. In the Direct Steam Generation process, the HTF’s heat produces steam, which spins the turbines to produce electricity. However, to ensure a smooth and continuous generation of power, some of the HTF flows into the Thermal Energy Storage, where it transfers its heat to molten salt in an insulated tank for later usage after sunset.

PV (Photovoltaic)

Photovoltaic panels in Noor Energy 1 Source: Noor Energy

The photovoltaic process is one of the most commonly used to convert sunlight into energy. PV processes utilise photovoltaic panels, also known as solar panels. A PV panel is made up of a semiconductor, as PV processes rely on photovoltaic effect, which mainly occurs in semiconductors. 

• PV effect: conversion of light energy into electrical energy.

Achievements

Noor Energy 1 from the window of a commercial airplane - Source: Ms. Leigh

Noor Energy 1 is a holder of 4 Guinness World Records, establishing itself as one of the greatest contributors to sustainability. The 4 titles include largest thermal energy storage plant, tallest CSP tower, longest continuous CSP plant operation, and the highest capacity single-operator CSP plant. 

The massive success of Noor Energy 1 suggests that a ‘carbon free future’ is indeed nearby, and that it is already taking shape. However, combating climate change requires group effort, and we should all take accountability and responsibility. It is essential to recognize that any conservation effort you make, no matter how small, will contribute to the ultimate goal. 

References

(n.d.). Noor Energy1 | Powering the World's Largest CSP Project. Retrieved March 1, 2026, from https://noorenergy.ae/

(2024, December 30). Dubai Clean Energy Strategy | The Official Platform of the UAE Government. Retrieved March 1, 2026, from https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/environment-and-energy/dubai-clean-energy-strategy?

Marsh, J. (2024, July 25). How Do Solar Cells Work? Photovoltaic Cells Explained. EnergySage. Retrieved March 3, 2026, from https://www.energysage.com/solar/solar-photovoltaic-cells/

Photovoltaics and electricity - U.S. Energy Information Administration. (n.d.). EIA. Retrieved March 3, 2026, from https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/photovoltaics-and-electricity.php