The United Arab Emirates has announced the start of a ground-breaking renewable energy development that could usher in a new global standard in clean energy innovation. Under an agreement by Masdar and EWEC, the world’s largest solar and battery storage facility, capable of delivering up to 1 gigawatt (GW) continuous, round-the-clock renewable energy, will be developed.
Record-Breaking Deal for Renewable Energy
Announced by His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the project will develop 5.2 gigawatts direct current of solar photovoltaic generation paired with 19 gigawatt hours of battery energy storage. As such, the hybrid will tackle the intermittency challenges that have conventionally plagued solar energy supplies by producing firm and reliable power, around the clock, day and night.
“For decades, intermittency has been the Achilles’ heel of renewable energy,” Dr. Al Jaber said while making the announcement. “Today, we have a solution. This facility will turn renewable resources into reliable baseload power, accelerating progress on sustainable energy.”
The location of the project in Abu Dhabi has not been disclosed yet, and more information about technology providers, battery systems, and construction timelines is expected to be announced over the coming months.
Collaboration Driving Innovation
Developed through a partnership between Masdar and the Emirates Water & Electricity Company (EWEC), the project is a further demonstration of the UAE’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
This facility represents a turning point in the integration of solar and advanced battery storage technologies,” said Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment and CEO of Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company. “It underscores the UAE’s leadership in driving sustainability and reducing carbon emissions on a global scale.”
The Race for Baseload Renewable Energy
While the UAE project is the largest, around the clock, renewable energy deliverance initiatives have been extended, globally.
Similarly, the projects illustrating this potential are: Modhera in Gujarat and a host of other government-backed projects in India; Oasis de Atacama of Chile will marry 2 GW of solar PV with 11 GWh of BESS, and Saudi Arabia, which is planning to invest big time in its battery storage by way of public procurement and local manufacturing.
The UAE project stands out due to its unprecedented scale and ambition, placing the Middle East at the forefront of renewable energy innovation.
A Vision for the Future
As part of Abu Dhabi’s broader sustainability goals and the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy, this project aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
“By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, we’re not just solving today’s energy challenges—we’re shaping tomorrow’s energy landscape,” said Dr. Al Jaber.
The Masdar-EWEC solar and battery facility is expected to serve as a model for future projects worldwide, demonstrating that large-scale renewable energy can be a viable and reliable solution for global energy needs.
