ABU DHABI: In a groundbreaking move, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) have unveiled the world’s first large-scale, 24/7 gigascale solar power and battery storage project.

Announced in the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this pioneering project combines a 5.2GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with a record-breaking 19GWh battery energy storage system (BESS), capable of delivering 1GW of uninterrupted clean energy daily.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, called it a “moonshot challenge” solved. “This facility transforms renewable energy into reliable baseload power on an unprecedented scale,” he said.

The project aligns with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the nation’s Net Zero by 2050 goals. By integrating renewable technologies with advanced storage, it sets a new global benchmark in clean energy, ensuring sustainability and energy security.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and CEO of ADQ, highlighted the project’s scalability and cost-effectiveness. “It positions Abu Dhabi as a key player in the future of global energy,” he said.

Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC, noted its role in decarbonising energy, powering industries like AI and advanced technologies while ensuring stable, clean energy for the nation.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, added, “This record-breaking facility, developed by Masdar, creates over 10,000 jobs and drives innovation.”

The project’s success underlines the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy, exemplifying its commitment to sustainable, innovative solutions as demonstrated at COP28.