The Head of State witnesses the launch of the largest and first project of its kind in the world

In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar, and Emirates Water and Electricity, launched the largest and first project of its kind in the world that combines solar energy and energy storage batteries in Abu Dhabi.

The project was launched by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Masdar, and Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment, Managing Director and CEO of the Holding Group (ADQ), during the activities of “Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.”

The project is an important step that contributes to achieving a qualitative shift in energy systems, as it will provide renewable energy around the clock, thus consolidating the UAE’s global leadership in disseminating renewable energy solutions, and contributing to the provision of about (1 gigawatt per day) of the base load of renewable energy, to constitute the largest power station. Solar energy is equipped with battery systems to store energy worldwide.

The project is located in Abu Dhabi and includes a solar photovoltaic power plant with a capacity of 5.2 gigawatts (DC), in addition to battery systems for energy storage with a capacity of 19 gigawatts/hour, setting a new global standard in clean energy innovations.

On this occasion, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said that thanks to the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, “may God protect him,” we were able, through this pioneering project, to address the challenge of instability of renewable energy supplies, which for decades has constituted the greatest obstacle to achieving Make the most possible use of these sources. Pointing out that we in the UAE have been able to find a practical solution, as Masdar will work in cooperation with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company to develop a facility capable of providing a reliable and continuous supply of clean energy around the clock. the hour.

He added that for the first time ever, the world-leading project will provide (1 gigawatt of continuous base load power), which is a first step that constitutes the beginning of a qualitative shift in this field on a global level.”

He explained that the project embodies the aspirations of the UAE to achieve a qualitative shift in the energy sector, and provide the clean energy necessary to keep pace with the growth in energy demand by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, in addition to embodying the vision of the wise leadership and the UAE’s commitment to advancing economic, social and environmental progress.

Establishing new standards

For his part, Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment and Managing Director and CEO of the Holding Group (ADQ), said that working to accelerate the integration between solar energy and advanced systems for energy storage batteries contributes to establishing new standards in the clean energy sector, enhancing sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

He added that by developing the necessary infrastructure, we support the endeavors aimed at generating renewable energy in ways that are cost-effective and expandable and developable, indicating that the joint efforts that we are undertaking under the guidance of the wise leadership will have a significant impact in enhancing technological progress in the country, and paving the way. For a new era capable of dealing with variables and providing business opportunities in addition to ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of energy that can be expanded to meet future needs.

For his part, Othman Al Ali, CEO of Emirates Water and Electricity Company, said that Abu Dhabi sets a new global standard for sustainable energy development and innovation by launching the largest solar photovoltaic project and energy storage battery systems in the world. He added that the strategic project embodies Emirates Water and Electricity Company’s commitment to achieving The goals of decarbonizing the energy sector, and playing a major role in driving social and economic growth in the UAE.

He added: “As it represents the backbone of the transition to clean energy in the country, the project will contribute to supporting vital industries such as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, to ensure that their energy needs are met in a sustainable and reliable manner… In addition to confirming Abu Dhabi’s role in the field of renewable energy innovation at the utility level, “It will contribute fundamentally to enhancing the role of the Emirates Water and Electricity Company in ensuring energy security for future generations.”

He said that cooperation with our partners in this project, “Masdar” and “Taqa Transport”, to develop the necessary infrastructure for the network, would enable us to achieve the goals of the energy transition in a way that contributes to supporting the country’s strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

Promoting innovation and driving growth

For his part, Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said: “Masdar is proud to develop this world-leading strategic project, which will provide more than 10,000 new job opportunities and contribute to enhancing innovation and driving sustainable economic growth in the country, adding that it is considered the largest Masdar projects so far, and will provide solar energy with a capacity of 5.2 gigawatts and is equipped with battery systems to store energy with a capacity of 19 gigawatts per hour,” indicating that Masdar, Emirates Water and Electricity Company and their partners provide through The project developed an unprecedented global model in employing technological innovation to contribute to overcoming the challenge of unstable renewable energy supplies, by generating 1 gigawatt of clean energy around the clock.

The solar photovoltaic power plant and energy storage battery systems will work to achieve the stability and efficiency necessary to meet the challenges of unstable renewable energy supplies. While the energy storage facility with a capacity of 19 gigawatts per hour, the largest of its kind in the world, will contribute to achieving the smooth integration of solar energy into the network in a way that ensures Providing supply around the clock, and by integrating the latest renewable technologies with energy storage solutions, the project confirms the UAE’s commitment to expanding the scope of innovative clean energy solutions to meet the growing demand for energy, in addition to supporting the UAE Energy Strategy. 2050, and in line with the goals of the historic “UAE Agreement” reached during the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).