The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently announced a groundbreaking $6 billion renewable energy project in Abu Dhabi. This ambitious plan will combine solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage to deliver 1 gigawatt (GW) of uninterrupted power by 2027.
Masdar, the UAE’s state-owned renewable energy company, is leading the project with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). Together, they will integrate 5.2 GW of solar PV capacity with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage system. Spanning 90 square kilometers, this will be the world’s largest solar and battery storage facility.
During Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber announced this initiative. He highlighted that the project addresses renewable energy intermittency by providing a consistent baseload of clean power. Al-Jaber called it a transformative step that could revolutionize global energy practices.
Construction has already started, and operations are expected to begin by 2027. The project is financed through equity and project finance debt. Masdar’s Chief Operating Officer, Abdulaziz Alobaidli, described it as the company’s largest and most ambitious venture to date.
UAE Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei stressed that this project is just the beginning. He emphasized the potential to further harness solar energy across the region.
This initiative supports the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to increase the share of clean energy in the total energy mix. By integrating advanced battery storage, the UAE is setting a new global standard for sustainable energy and ensuring long-term energy security.
The UAE’s investment in this project showcases its commitment to innovation and leadership in renewable energy, promising a cleaner, greener future.
