Abu Dhabi has marked a significant milestone in renewable energy with the launch of the world’s first gigascale project that combines solar power and battery storage to deliver uninterrupted clean energy. The announcement was made in the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reaffirming the UAE’s leadership in global energy innovation.
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) have taken the lead in this pioneering project, officially introduced by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, together with His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADQ.
Transforming Renewable Energy into a Continuous Power Source
This first-of-its-kind project is set to provide up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of renewable baseload power every day, addressing the long-standing challenge of energy intermittency. It integrates a 5.2GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), making it the largest combined solar and battery storage facility in the world.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasised the project’s transformative impact, stating:
“For decades, the biggest challenge in renewable energy has been intermittency ensuring a continuous, uninterrupted supply of clean power. Thanks to the vision and support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we have now overcome this hurdle. This initiative will generate a reliable 1GW of clean energy 24/7, setting a global precedent in sustainable power generation.”
A New Benchmark in Clean Energy
The UAE’s latest renewable energy breakthrough not only advances sustainability but also strengthens the country’s position as a leader in utility-scale clean energy projects. The project will play a key role in reducing carbon emissions, supporting emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, and powering economic growth.
His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi highlighted the broader significance of the project, saying:
“By integrating large-scale solar power with cutting-edge battery storage, we are setting a new benchmark for clean energy solutions. This initiative enhances energy resilience, reduces costs, and positions Abu Dhabi at the forefront of global energy transformation.”
Supporting the UAE’s Net Zero Ambitions
EWEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Othman Al Ali, described the project as a major step in the UAE’s journey towards net-zero emissions.
“This facility is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s leadership in renewable energy innovation. By launching the world’s largest solar PV and BESS project, we are ensuring energy security, decarbonising the power sector, and meeting the growing electricity demands of critical industries.”
Meanwhile, Masdar’s CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, underscored the project’s economic and environmental benefits:
“This record-breaking initiative will create over 10,000 jobs while pushing the boundaries of clean energy technology. With 5.2GW of solar PV and 19GWh of battery storage, we are addressing the issue of intermittency on an unprecedented scale and setting a new standard for the future of renewable energy.”
Driving Global Clean Energy Innovation
By seamlessly integrating renewable generation with advanced energy storage, this project demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development. It aligns with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and builds on the country’s leadership role following the landmark UAE Consensus agreed at COP28.
The launch is part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), a global platform supported by Masdar to advance sustainability through dialogue, collaboration, and action. For over 15 years, ADSW has been instrumental in shaping policies and driving investment in clean energy worldwide.
