Other BriefingsUAE Breaks Ground with World’s First 24/7 Solar PV and Battery Storage Gigascale Project
The UAE will launch the world’s first round-the-clock solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage (BESS) gigascale project in Abu Dhabi.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is strengthening its position as a global leader in renewable energy with the launch of the world’s first round-the-clock solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage gigascale project in Abu Dhabi. Developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, in collaboration with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), this groundbreaking initiative is set to deliver up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of baseload power daily, overcoming the intermittency challenges that have long plagued renewable energy.
The project, valued at over US$6 billion, combines a 5.2 GW solar PV plant with a massive 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). This integrated facility will provide uninterrupted renewable energy 24/7, marking a transformative milestone in clean energy innovation and sustainability.
Strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology
Masdar announced the selection of Larsen & Toubro and POWERCHINA as preferred engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors. Leading suppliers Jinko Solar and JA Solar will provide 2.6 GW each of solar PV modules, utilizing TopCon technology for maximum efficiency and durability. CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, will supply its advanced TENER technology for the BESS, ensuring reliable and efficient operations throughout the project’s lifecycle.
The announcement was made during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025, with Letters of Award signed at a special ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer of Masdar, stated, “This record-breaking project we are developing with EWEC is a giant step forward in the clean energy transformation, overcoming the intermittency challenges of renewables and enabling the dispatch of clean energy 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Driving economic growth and innovation
The project will not only accelerate the UAE’s renewable energy ambitions but also drive significant economic impact, creating approximately 10,000 new jobs and fostering technological advancements. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, emphasized the historic significance of the initiative, calling it a “moonshot challenge” that transforms renewable energy into reliable baseload power.
Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi highlighted the scale of the project, describing it as the largest solar PV and BESS initiative globally, a testament to the UAE’s commitment to clean energy leadership.
Supporting UAE’s energy strategy and global climate goals
The initiative aligns with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to diversify energy sources and increase the share of clean energy in the national energy mix. It also highlights the UAE’s commitment to global climate action, particularly following the historic agreements at COP28.
Since its inception in 2006, Masdar has been instrumental in advancing the UAE’s sustainability agenda, with projects spanning over 40 countries. The company aims to expand its renewable energy portfolio to 100 GW by 2030 and emerge as a leader in green hydrogen production.
By combining cutting-edge renewable technologies with large-scale energy storage solutions, this landmark project exemplifies the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future and sets a global benchmark for clean energy innovation.
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