A major Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant is being planned for development by Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company. Named Shams1, the CSP plant will have a maximum capacity of 100MW and is expected to cost between $400 - $500 million.

The technology used to produce the electricity will be parabolic trough technology and it will be located close to the city of Madinat Zayad.

Masdar had earlier called for bids for a companies who were interested in building and operating the power plant to submit their tender by early March 2008. These applications would be closely considered with an announcement expected in the short term.

The project has an expected commission date in late 2010. 

An announcement is expected shortly, more news on Shams 1 as soon as a company has been announced.