In a landmark move for the global clean energy sector, the UAE has officially launched the world’s largest renewable energy project combining solar power with battery storage. This ambitious initiative, developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), reinforces the nation’s commitment to sustainable innovation and its leadership in the global energy transition.
A New Global Benchmark in Renewable Energy
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, marked the start of a project designed to provide 1 gigawatt (GW) of continuous renewable power. It integrates a massive 5.2GW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). This combination is the largest and most advanced of its kind, directly addressing the challenge of solar energy’s intermittency and setting a potential model for countries worldwide.
Economic and Environmental Impact
With an investment exceeding $6 billion, the project is a significant economic driver, projected to create over 10,000 jobs and foster the development of new manufacturing facilities. Once it becomes operational in 2027, the facility is expected to offset approximately 5.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, playing a crucial role in both national and global decarbonization efforts. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, stated, “Today, Masdar and EWEC are breaking ground on the future, here in Abu Dhabi. The UAE proudly offers a new vision for technologically enabled growth.”
Integrating Advanced Technology for Grid Stability
Beyond its immense scale, the project will incorporate a suite of advanced technologies to ensure a stable and reliable power supply. These include virtual power plant integration, grid-forming and black start capabilities, and sophisticated AI-powered forecasting and dispatch systems. This technological backbone is designed to deliver a consistent flow of clean energy, overcoming the traditional limitations of solar power and ensuring grid resilience.
About Masdar
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, widely known as Masdar, is the UAE’s clean energy champion and one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies. Active in over 40 countries, Masdar is a pioneer in advancing the development and deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies to address global sustainability challenges.
Source: Fast Company ME
