UAE Launches World's First 24/7 Solar PV, Battery Storage Gigascale Project
A groundbreaking initiative in renewable energy that ensures consistent, reliable solar power supply.
Under the esteemed presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) have unveiled the world's first large-scale, 'round-the-clock' gigascale solar and battery storage project. This innovative initiative marks a transformative step in renewable energy development, cementing Abu Dhabi's role as a global leader in clean energy solutions.
Key Leaders Behind the Launch
The announcement was made by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, alongside His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADQ. Their leadership underscores the UAE's unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable energy systems and fostering global innovation.
A Milestone in Renewable Energy
This pioneering project introduces a 24/7 renewable energy dispatch capability, delivering up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of baseload power daily. It represents a groundbreaking moment in clean energy transformation, enabling uninterrupted energy supply and reinforcing the UAE's position as a trailblazer in renewable energy deployment.
His Excellency Dr, Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, 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.”
Unmatched Scale and Technology
Situated in Abu Dhabi, the project will feature a 5.2GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant integrated with a 19-gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). This combination creates the world's largest solar and battery storage facility, setting new benchmarks in clean energy innovation and operational efficiency.
His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said, “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, said, “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.”
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said, “Developed in the UAE by Masdar, this record-breaking project will create over 10,000 new jobs, driving innovation and economic growth. As Masdar’s largest and most ambitious project to date, combining an incredible 5.2GW of solar PV with 19GW hours of battery storage – the largest ever for a power utility project – this is truly clean energy on an unprecedented scale. Masdar, EWEC, and its valued project partners are setting a new global benchmark in technological innovation to address the challenge of renewable energy intermittency to generate 1GW of clean, uninterrupted power 24 hours a day, round the clock.”
Driving Innovation and Sustainability
The project exemplifies the UAE's ambition to lead in sustainable energy solutions. By integrating cutting-edge renewable technologies with advanced storage systems, the initiative addresses intermittency challenges, ensuring seamless solar power integration into the grid. The 19GWh BESS will enhance grid stability and efficiency, paving the way for a more resilient energy infrastructure.
Supporting National and Global Goals
Aligned with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, this project underscores the nation's commitment to achieving sustainable energy targets. It also plays a vital role in advancing the historic UAE Consensus established at COP28, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in global environmental and socioeconomic progress.
A Vision for the Future
This world-class solar and battery facility demonstrates the UAE's forward-thinking approach to energy transformation. By delivering clean, reliable power to support emerging technologies, the project reaffirms the nation's dedication to driving innovation, sustainability, and long-term energy security on a global scale.
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