The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is cementing its position as a global leader in renewable energy with the launch of the world’s first giga-scale, round-the-clock solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Abu Dhabi. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, in collaboration with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), represents a transformative leap in sustainable power generation and an innovative approach to addressing energy stability and reliability challenges.
A Game-Changer in Renewable Energy
Announced in January 2025 by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, this ambitious project directly tackles the intermittent nature of renewable energy by ensuring a continuous 24/7 power supply. By integrating advanced solar PV and storage technology, the UAE is taking a major step toward making renewable energy as reliable as traditional fossil fuels.
With the capacity to deliver up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of baseload power, this pioneering endeavor aims to reshape the future of clean energy on a global scale. The initiative is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to advance sustainable energy solutions while maintaining energy security and economic prosperity.
Valued at over $6 billion, the project will integrate a massive 5.2 GW solar PV plant with a state-of-the-art 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage system. This combination will enable uninterrupted renewable energy supply, making it the largest solar and BESS facility in the world. By leveraging cutting-edge energy storage solutions, the UAE is setting a new benchmark for the reliability and scalability of renewable power, further positioning itself as a leader in the clean energy revolution.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Beyond revolutionizing renewable energy, the project is expected to generate substantial economic and environmental benefits. Approximately 10,000 new jobs will be created during the construction and operational phases, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to economic diversification, technological advancement, and sustainable growth.
Dr. Al Jaber described the initiative as a “moonshot challenge” that fundamentally redefines renewable energy, proving that clean power can be a dependable and consistent source of electricity. This project is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, contribute to global climate action, and provide a scalable model for other nations to follow.
Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi emphasized that this project is not only the largest of its kind globally but also a testament to the UAE’s continued dedication to maintaining its leadership in the clean energy sector. With the integration of advanced AI-driven battery management systems and smart grid technology, the project aims to optimize energy efficiency and further enhance its impact on global sustainability efforts.
Aligning with UAE’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
The giga-scale solar and BESS project is a key pillar of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which seeks to diversify energy sources, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and significantly increase the share of clean energy in the national grid. The initiative also aligns with the UAE’s broader commitments to global climate action, as underscored during COP28, where the country reaffirmed its ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Since its establishment in 2006, Masdar has been at the forefront of the UAE’s clean energy initiatives, expanding its renewable energy projects across more than 40 countries. The company is on track to grow its renewable portfolio to 100 GW by 2030, further strengthening its role as a global leader in the transition to sustainable energy.
With this pioneering project, the UAE is not just envisioning a cleaner future—it is actively building it. By setting an unprecedented standard for renewable energy deployment, the UAE continues to shape the future of global energy, demonstrating that sustainable innovation and economic growth can go hand in hand.