In the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the companies Abu Dhabi Future Energy "Masdar" and "Emirates Water and Electricity" launched the largest and first-of-its-kind project in the world that combines solar energy and energy storage batteries in Abu Dhabi.
The project was launched by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, along with Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment and Managing Director and CEO of the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), during the "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week" events.
The project is a significant step towards achieving a transformation in energy systems, providing renewable energy around the clock, thus solidifying the UAE's global leadership in promoting renewable energy solutions. It will provide about 1 gigawatt of renewable base-load energy daily, making it the largest solar power station equipped with energy storage batteries in the world.
Located in Abu Dhabi, the project includes a 5.2 gigawatt photovoltaic solar power plant (DC), along with energy storage systems with a capacity of 19 gigawatt-hours, setting a new global benchmark in clean energy innovations.
On this occasion, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said that, thanks to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, "we have been able to address the challenge of instability in renewable energy supplies, which has been the biggest barrier to maximizing the potential of these resources for decades.
" He added, "In the UAE, we have found a practical solution where Masdar, in collaboration with Emirates Water and Electricity, is developing a facility capable of providing reliable and continuous supplies of clean energy around the clock."
He further noted that, for the first time ever, the pioneering project will provide 1 gigawatt of continuous base-load energy, marking the first step towards a significant global transformation in this field.
Al Jaber explained that the project reflects the UAE's ambitions to achieve a transformative leap in the energy sector and provide the clean energy necessary to meet the growing demand from artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, alongside the country's commitment to advancing economic, social, and environmental progress.
Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment and CEO of ADQ, stated that accelerating the integration of solar energy with advanced energy storage systems contributes to setting new standards in the clean energy sector, enhancing sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
He added, "Through the development of the necessary infrastructure, we support efforts to generate renewable energy in cost-effective, scalable, and expandable ways. The joint efforts under the guidance of the leadership will have a significant impact on advancing technological progress in the country and paving the way for a new era capable of dealing with changes and providing business opportunities, alongside ensuring sustainable and reliable energy supplies that can be expanded to meet future needs."
Meanwhile, Othman Al Ali, CEO of Emirates Water and Electricity, said that Abu Dhabi is setting a new global standard for developing sustainable energy and innovation by launching the largest photovoltaic solar energy and energy storage battery project in the world. He added that the strategic project embodies the commitment of Emirates Water and Electricity to achieve decarbonization goals in the energy sector and plays a key role in driving social and economic growth in the UAE.
He also said, "As the backbone of the transition to clean energy in the country, the project will support vital industries such as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to ensure their energy needs are met sustainably and reliably. It also confirms Abu Dhabi's role in renewable energy innovation at the facility level, contributing significantly to strengthening Emirates Water and Electricity's role in ensuring energy security for future generations."
He noted that collaboration with project partners "Masdar" and "Energy for Transport" to develop the necessary network infrastructure would enable the achievement of energy transition goals in support of the country's strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, stated: "Masdar is proud to develop this world-leading strategic project, which will provide over 10,000 new job opportunities and contribute to fostering innovation and driving sustainable economic growth in the country.
" He added, "This is Masdar's largest project to date, providing 5.2 gigawatts of solar energy, complemented by energy storage systems with a capacity of 19 gigawatt-hours." He emphasized that Masdar, Emirates Water and Electricity, and their partners are presenting an unprecedented global model in utilizing technological innovation to overcome the challenge of unstable renewable energy supplies by generating 1 gigawatt of clean energy around the clock.
The photovoltaic solar power plant and energy storage systems will ensure the necessary stability and efficiency to address the challenges of renewable energy supply instability. The energy storage facility, with a capacity of 19 gigawatt-hours, the largest of its kind in the world, will seamlessly integrate solar energy into the grid, ensuring 24/7 supply.
By integrating the latest renewable technologies with energy storage solutions, the project underscores the UAE's commitment to expanding innovative clean energy solutions to meet growing energy demand, while supporting the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and aligning with the historic "UAE Agreement" reached during the COP28 climate conference.
