Khaberni - The UAE has laid the foundation stone for the first and largest renewable energy project of its kind in the world, combining solar energy and a massive battery storage system to generate one gigawatt of clean electricity sustainably around the clock .
This innovative project enhances the UAE's position as a global power in the clean energy sector.
The project, executed by Masdar in collaboration with Emirates Water and Electricity Company, represents an unprecedented shift in the renewable energy production concept, integrating a 5.2 gigawatt photovoltaic solar plant with a 19 gigawatt-hour battery storage system, making it the largest and most technologically advanced of its kind in the world.
The investment is valued at approximately 22 billion dirhams ($5.9 billion), with full operation planned by 2027, providing over 10,000 new job opportunities.
A global innovation by all standards
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, described the project as “a global innovation by all standards,” emphasizing that the idea originated from the proactive vision of the UAE leadership, which placed the future of clean energy at the heart of its national strategy.
Al Ramahi said, “Today we celebrate a global strategic project that reflects the solidarity of national efforts between Masdar, Emirates Water and Electricity Company, and all local departments. The project is the result of guidance from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who announced it at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week earlier this year, and here we are beginning the implementation in the presence of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Office for Developmental Affairs and Families of the Martyrs.”
He added that the project represents a global reference point for the future of 24-hour solar electricity production, noting that the technology used allows for the storage of solar rays and their conversion into sustainable electrical energy throughout the day, placing the UAE at the forefront of nations that have addressed the biggest challenge in the renewable energy sector, which is "supply interruptions".
Al Ramahi explained, “This project is not just an engineering achievement, but it announces the beginning of a new era of sustainable energy from the heart of Abu Dhabi to the world.”
Project Details: Uninterrupted Power
On his part, Dr. Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Director of Engineering at Masdar, explained that the project succeeded in solving the problem of "renewable energy fluctuation" which typically depends on natural conditions.
He said, “In this project, we adopted advanced technological solutions that allow the production of electricity even in the absence of the sun, by storing the surplus in massive lithium batteries with a capacity of 19 gigawatt-hours. When the sun sets, the batteries automatically start working to provide a continuous and stable power supply to the network, with a constant capacity of one gigawatt throughout the day.”
He pointed out that the project will produce clean electricity sufficient to power data centers and artificial intelligence projects, utilizing the latest artificial intelligence forecasting systems, a virtual power plant model, and self-restart technologies, making it one of the most advanced projects in the world.
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, had previously confirmed that the project represents a new phase in the UAE's journey towards a sustainable energy future.
He added that the UAE is now leading a new global path to employ the latest technological innovations in sustainable energy production, setting a model to follow in the transition to a green economy.
According to official data, the project has significant economic and environmental impacts, as it will help avoid the release of 5.7 million tons of carbon emissions annually, enhance national industries related to energy and technology, and contribute to the development of new manufacturing facilities in the country, supporting the local supply chain ecosystem.
With this project, the UAE continues to cement its position as one of the global leaders in the transition towards renewable energy. After decades of investing in solar and wind, it now provides a comprehensive model that integrates technology, innovation, and sustainability in a single project, ensuring clean energy day and night.
