ABU DHABI, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has officially commenced construction on a landmark renewable energy project in Abu Dhabi, hailed as the world’s first and largest combined solar power and battery energy storage system (BESS). This ambitious undertaking, a collaboration between Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), is set to deliver continuous, baseload renewable energy around the clock and is expected to be operational by 2027.
The groundbreaking ceremony, witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, marks a significant stride in the UAE’s commitment to clean energy and its broader economic diversification goals.
Unprecedented Scale and Capacity
This pioneering project integrates a massive 5.2 gigawatt (GW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with an immense 19 gigawatt-hours (GWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). This scale establishes a new global benchmark for hybrid renewable energy installations, designed to overcome the inherent intermittency of solar power. Once fully operational, the facility is projected to provide 1 GW of baseload power 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring a stable and reliable supply of clean energy.
Strategic Investment and Economic Impact
With an estimated capital investment exceeding $6 billion (AED 22 billion), the project is poised to generate substantial economic benefits for the UAE. It is expected to create over 10,000 jobs and foster the establishment of new domestic manufacturing and service facilities. Furthermore, the facility is designed to deliver power at a globally competitive tariff, reinforcing the economic viability of large-scale renewable energy solutions.
Environmental and Technological Advancements
The environmental impact of this initiative is considerable. The project is anticipated to avoid approximately 5.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, contributing significantly to the UAE’s climate action goals and its Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.
Technologically, the facility will incorporate cutting-edge innovations, including AI-enhanced forecasting, intelligent dispatch systems, and AI-ready infrastructure for predictive analytics and system optimisation. These advanced features are crucial for managing the complex interplay between large-scale solar generation and battery storage to ensure optimal performance and grid stability.
A Blueprint for Global Energy Transition
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, emphasized that this project serves as a “blueprint for the world,” demonstrating that renewable energy can be dispatched around the clock. Ahmed Ali Alshamsi, CEO of EWEC, highlighted the project’s role in securing sustainable power for the UAE’s future economic growth and technological advancement, particularly in supporting the country’s ambitions in artificial intelligence.
This combined solar and BESS project is a cornerstone of the UAE’s broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in clean energy innovation and sustainable development.
Broader UAE Renewable Energy Landscape
The UAE continues to advance its clean energy portfolio with other significant projects. For instance, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, the largest single-site solar park in the world, is also undergoing continuous expansion. Its sixth phase alone, a collaboration between Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Masdar, will add 1.8 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity and is expected to be fully operational in stages between 2024 and 2026. The entire Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park aims to reach a total capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030, with investments totaling approximately AED 50 billion (around $13.61 billion), ultimately reducing over 6.5 million tons of carbon emissions annually upon completion. While distinct from the newly groundbreaking combined solar and BESS project in Abu Dhabi, these initiatives collectively underscore the UAE’s aggressive push towards a sustainable energy future.
