UAE announces unique solar plant
The solar PV and BESS facility will provide stability and efficiency by overcoming the challenges of traditional renewable energy facilities
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) have announced plans to build the world’s first large-scale ‘round the clock’ giga-scale project, combining solar power and battery storage.
In the presence of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the project was launched by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, and Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment. The launch marks a pivotal moment in the UAE’s clean energy transformation, allowing renewable energy to be dispatched 24 hours a day, seven days a week, reaffirming the country’s position as a global pioneer in renewable energy deployment.
Delivering up to one gigawatt (GW) of base load power every day – generated from renewable energy – it will be the largest combined solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) in the world. Located in Abu Dhabi, the project will feature a 5.2GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, coupled with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) BESS, setting a global benchmark in clean energy innovation.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber said, “For decades, the biggest barrier facing renewable energy has been intermittency – to be able to source uninterrupted clean power day and night. This has been the moonshot challenge of our time, and now, thanks to the resolute support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with this groundbreaking project we have found the solution.”
“In collaboration with EWEC and our partners, we will develop a renewable energy facility capable of providing clean energy round the clock. For the first time ever, this will transform renewable energy into a world-leading 1GW of reliable baseload energy every day on an unprecedented scale – a first step that could become a giant leap for the world.”
Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi commented, “The accelerated integration of solar power and advanced battery energy storage sets a new benchmark in clean energy, driving sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. By advancing energy infrastructure, we are leading the way in developing cost-effective, scalable renewable energy, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a key player in shaping the future of global energy. Guided by the UAE leadership, this united effort within the energy sector powers the nation’s technological advancement, ushering in a new era of intelligence, resilience, flexibility, and commercial opportunity while ensuring sustainable and uninterrupted energy for exponential growth.”
Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC added, “By launching the world’s largest solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System, Abu Dhabi is setting a new global standard for sustainable energy development and innovation. This landmark project embodies EWEC’s unwavering commitment to decarbonising the energy sector, while driving the UAE’s socioeconomic growth. As the backbone of the nation’s clean energy transition, this facility supports critical industries such as AI and advanced technologies, ensuring their power needs are met sustainably and reliably.”
“This project not only underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a leader in utility-scale renewable energy innovation but also cements EWEC’s role in ensuring energy security for future generations. Collaborating with partners like Masdar and TAQA Transmission to facilitate the development of network infrastructure enables the achievement of our transformational milestones that accelerate the UAE’s journey to achieving its Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative,” he added.
The solar PV and BESS facility will provide unparalleled stability and efficiency by overcoming the intermittency challenges of renewable energy. The 19GWh battery storage facility will enable seamless integration of solar power into the grid.
