‘World’s largest’ solar power and battery storage gigascale project to be built in Abu Dhabi

Tanya Weaver Thu 16 Jan 2025

Collected at: https://eandt.theiet.org/2025/01/16/worlds-largest-solar-power-and-battery-storage-gigascale-project-be-built-abu-dhabi

Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy company Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) have announced the launch of the “world’s largest” combined solar and battery energy storage system (BESS).

Located in Abu Dhabi, the project will feature a 5.2GW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant and a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) BESS, delivering up to 1GW of baseload power daily.

Masdar says this gigascale project reflects the UAE’s ambitions of being a global pioneer in renewable energy deployment.

Sultan Al Jaber, minister of industry and advanced technology and chairman of Masdar, said: “In collaboration with EWEC and our partners, we will develop a renewable energy facility capable of providing clean energy round the clock. For the first time ever, this will transform renewable energy into a world-leading 1GW of reliable baseload energy every day on an unprecedented scale.”

Othman Al Ali, chief executive officer of EWEC, said: “By launching the world’s largest solar PV and BESS, Abu Dhabi is setting a new global standard for sustainable energy development and innovation. 

“As the backbone of the nation’s clean energy transition, this facility supports critical industries such as AI and advanced technologies, ensuring their power needs are met sustainably and reliably.”

According to Masdar, this will be the company’s largest and most ambitious project to date, creating over 10,000 new jobs in the UAE. It also claims that it is the largest ever power utility project, delivering clean energy on an unprecedented scale. 

With its 24/7 operation, a key aim of the project is to help overcome the intermittency challenges commonly associated with renewable energy sources. 

With the 19GWh battery storage facility seamlessly integrating solar power into the grid, the project will help enhance the overall reliability of the energy supply.

Launched during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Masdar said that the initiative supports the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and will go towards helping UAE fulfil the commitments made at COP28.

However, Masdar has not yet mentioned when construction on the gigascale project will commence and when it will start delivering energy.