UAE launches world’s first solar, battery gigascale project for uninterrupted renewable energy
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Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) unveiled the world’s first gigascale project integrating solar power and battery storage to deliver renewable energy round the clock. The announcement was made in the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and marks a critical step in the UAE's journey toward energy transformation.
The project, which will deliver up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of baseload renewable energy daily, is set to be the largest combined solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) globally. Located in Abu Dhabi, the facility will feature a 5.2GW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant coupled with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery storage system, setting a new benchmark in sustainable energy innovation.
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, highlighted the project’s significance.
He said, “For decades, the biggest barrier facing renewable energy has been intermittency. 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 project we have found the solution."
The integration of solar power and advanced battery storage will address the challenge of energy intermittency and provide a continuous power supply, reinforcing the UAE’s vision to achieve its Net Zero by 2050 strategic goals.
The project is expected to create over 10,000 jobs and support key industries such as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
Othman Al Ali, CEO 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 project supports the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. The combination of large-scale solar PV and BESS exemplifies the UAE’s leadership in clean energy innovation.