H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, has witnessed the groundbreaking of the world’s largest renewable energy project integrating solar power and battery storage, capable of delivering 1 gigawatt (GW) of baseload renewable energy around the clock at a globally competitive tariff.
This world-first project, developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), integrates a 5.2GW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage system (BESS), the largest and most technologically advanced system of its kind in the world.
The project reimagines the potential of renewable energy by overcoming intermittency. Once operational, the project will produce gigascale baseload energy at a globally competitive tariff for the first time, setting a new international benchmark and reaffirming the UAE leadership’s position in renewable energy development.
The project will act as a blueprint that can be replicated internationally to meet the growing demand for clean, secure, round-the-clock power.
With its development representing a capital investment of more than AED22 billion, the project will create more than 10,000 jobs, as well as new manufacturing facilities, while avoiding approximately 5.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually when the facility becomes operational by 2027.
The project design features cutting-edge technologies, including virtual power plant, grid-forming and black start capabilities, and AI-enhanced forecasting and intelligent dispatch.
Masdar has established a strong presence in battery storage, including the world’s first storage system connected to a floating offshore wind farm, and has projects in operation and development in several countries. Masdar is targeting an overall project portfolio capacity across clean energy technologies of 100GW by 2030.
Earlier, during January 2025 – L&T, POWERCHINA, JA Solar, Jinko Solar and CATL signs Contracts for UAE’s 5.2GW Solar PV Project. (read more)