Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) have announced plans for a major renewable energy project in Abu Dhabi. The initiative will combine solar power with battery storage to supply clean energy continuously, day and night. Announced during an event attended by President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the project represents an advancement in renewable energy technology. It was introduced by Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman of Masdar, and Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Group CEO of ADQ.
The facility will feature a 5.2-gigawatt (GW) direct current (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) system, paired with a battery energy storage system (BESS) capable of storing 19 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy. This combination will enable the plant to deliver a constant supply of 1 GW of renewable energy every day. This is intended to address the challenge of solar power intermittency, ensuring reliable, around-the-clock energy delivery.
The battery storage system will allow energy generated during daylight hours to be stored and then dispatched at night or during periods of high demand. This approach enhances the stability of the grid and ensures that solar energy can be fully utilized even when the sun is not shining. Once operational, this project will be the largest integrated solar and battery storage facility ever built.
Masdar and EWEC emphasized that the project will not only accelerate clean energy deployment in the UAE but also serve as a foundation for other advanced industries, such as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, which require stable and reliable power supplies. The development aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative and supports the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 by increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.
The project is also expected to generate more than 10,000 jobs during its construction. Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi described it as the company’s most ambitious renewable energy project to date, while EWEC officials highlighted its role in ensuring energy security and supporting sustainable growth.
