Masdar and EWEC Unveil World's Largest 24/7 Solar PV and Battery Project in Abu Dhabi

A revolutionary project combining solar energy generation and battery storage to deliver 1GW of continuous, dispatchable power was announced during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, revealed plans for the state-of-the-art renewable energy plant at the event's opening ceremony on Monday, January 12.

The facility will pair 5.2GWdc of solar PV generation with a 19GWh battery storage system, enabling it to supply up to 1GW of reliable ‘baseload’ power 24/7. Highlighting the project’s significance, Al Jaber stated, “For decades, the biggest challenge facing renewable energy has been intermittency. Today, we have an answer. This is the world’s first renewable energy facility capable of providing energy at scale, around the clock.”

The announcement, attended by dignitaries including UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscored the UAE’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions. Located in Abu Dhabi at an undisclosed site, the project is a joint effort by Masdar and the Emirates Water & Electricity Company (EWEC), with additional partners yet to be disclosed. Details on the technology providers, battery types, and project timelines remain under wraps.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment and CEO of Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC (ADQ), remarked, “The integration of solar power with advanced battery energy storage sets a new benchmark for clean energy, driving sustainability and significantly reducing carbon emissions.”

Dr. Al Jaber emphasized, “This project will, for the first time, transform renewable energy into baseload energy, marking a significant step forward in the global energy transition.”