Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum launched the first phase of the emirate's largest solar park on Tuesday to celebrate world energy day.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid solar park is located on a 48-square kilometer area in Seih Al-Dahal in the desert about 50 kilometers south of Dubai. The first phase was announced in early 2012 by the ruler of Dubai, who is also vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates. The first phase plans to start generating electricity through sun power by 2014 and is expected to generate 24 million kilowatts of power per year. Upon completion by 2030, the plant shall produce 1,000 megawatts of photovoltaic power.

According to Saeed Mohammed Al-Tayer, the managing director and CEO of the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority, who was also present at the ceremony, said Dubai plans to generate 1 percent of its total power output through renewable sources by 2020 and 5 percent by 2030. Currently, Dubai generates nearly 100 percent of its energy needs through oil and gas for its 2.5 million inhabitants and 10 million visitors per year.

Dubai crown prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum also attended the ceremony.