Masdar Unveils World’s Largest Solar-Battery Project to Deliver 24/7 Clean Energy
In a groundbreaking move, Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, has announced the growth of the world’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) project.This ambitious initiative, unveiled during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), aims to deliver 1 gigawatt (GW) of uninterrupted clean energy daily, marking a significant leap in renewable energy innovation.
The project, which combines 5.2 GW of solar PV capacity with a 19 GWh battery storage facility, is set to revolutionize the energy sector by providing a continuous baseload of renewable energy. According to Abdul Aziz Al-Obaidli, Chief Operating Officer of Masdar, “Storing solar energy in batteries was a dream, and today it has become a reality. We can store energy from the sun to have clean, sustainable energy.”
A Global Collaboration for Clean Energy
Masdar has partnered with some of the world’s leading companies to bring this vision to life. JA Solar and Jinko Solar, two of the largest suppliers of solar PV modules globally, have been selected as preferred suppliers for the project. Each will contribute 2.6 GW of solar PV capacity, utilizing the latest TopCon technology to ensure maximum efficiency and durability for 30 years.
For the battery storage component, CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has been chosen to supply the TENER energy storage system with a total capacity of 19 GWh. This cutting-edge technology is designed to meet comprehensive safety standards, offering a long lifespan and seamless integration to ensure reliable and stable operation.
On the construction front, Larsen & Toubro and powerchina HDEC have been appointed as the preferred contractors for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) work. The signing of award letters took place during a ceremony at the Masdar Pavilion at ADSW, attended by key stakeholders, including Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar.
A Milestone for Renewable Energy
The project is not just a technological marvel but also a strategic step toward achieving global sustainability goals. Al-Obaidli emphasized, “The project is an significant step that contributes to achieving a qualitative shift in energy systems, as it provides renewable energy around the clock, thus consecrating the UAE’s global leadership in disseminating renewable energy solutions.”
With an estimated cost of $6 billion,the project is expected to commence construction soon,with commercial operations slated to begin in 2027. Once operational,it will be the largest solar energy station equipped with battery storage systems globally,capable of delivering 1 GW of continuous daily baseload from renewable sources.
A Vision for the Future
This initiative is a testament to Masdar’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. As Al-Obaidli noted, “The extraordinary project that we are developing in cooperation with the emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) represents an critically important step to bring about a qualitative shift in the clean energy sector, overcome the instability of renewable energy supplies, and provide clean energy around the clock.”
by collaborating with industry leaders and leveraging advanced technologies, Masdar aims to set an unprecedented global model for clean energy solutions. This project not only underscores the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy but also paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
Key Highlights of the Project
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Solar PV Capacity | 5.2 GW |
| Battery Storage | 19 GWh |
| Daily Baseload Output | 1 GW |
| Preferred Suppliers | JA Solar, Jinko Solar (solar PV modules), CATL (battery storage) |
| EPC Contractors | Larsen & Toubro, PowerChina HDEC |
| Estimated Cost | $6 billion |
| Commercial Operation | 2027 |
This project is a bold step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, and its success could inspire similar initiatives worldwide. for more details on Masdar’s groundbreaking efforts,visit their official declaration here.
Interview: Masdar’s Solar-battery Project – A Game-Changer for 24/7 Clean Energy
in a groundbreaking move, Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, has announced the growth of the world’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) project. This ambitious initiative, unveiled during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), aims to deliver 1 gigawatt (GW) of uninterrupted clean energy daily, marking a significant leap in renewable energy innovation.
To delve deeper into this transformative project, we sat down with Dr. Leila Al-Hadrami, a renowned expert in renewable energy systems and a key advisor to Masdar. Dr. Al-Hadrami shares her insights on the project’s importance,its technological advancements,and its potential to reshape the global energy landscape.
The Vision Behind the Project
Senior Editor: Dr. Al-Hadrami, thank you for joining us. Could you start by explaining the vision behind this massive solar-battery project?
Dr.Leila Al-Hadrami: Thank you for having me. The vision behind this project is to create a sustainable energy model that can provide clean, reliable power around the clock.By combining 5.2 GW of solar PV capacity with a 19 GWh battery storage facility, we aim to overcome the inherent intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar.This project is not just about generating energy; it’s about storing and delivering it efficiently to meet the demands of modern society.
Technological Innovations
Senior Editor: The project leverages cutting-edge technologies. Can you elaborate on the innovations involved?
Dr.Leila Al-Hadrami: Absolutely. The solar PV modules from JA Solar and Jinko Solar utilize TopCon technology, which enhances efficiency and durability. For the battery storage, we’ve partnered with CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, to deploy their TENER energy storage system. This system is designed for high safety standards,long lifespan,and seamless integration,ensuring stable and reliable operation. These technologies are pivotal in achieving our goal of 24/7 clean energy.
Global Collaboration
Senior Editor: This project involves collaboration with several global leaders. How important is this partnership in achieving the project’s goals?
Dr. leila Al-Hadrami: Collaboration is at the heart of this project. By working with industry leaders like Larsen & Toubro and PowerChina HDEC for EPC, and JA Solar, Jinko Solar, and CATL for components, we’re able to bring together the best expertise and technologies. This global partnership not only accelerates the project’s development but also sets a precedent for future international collaborations in the renewable energy sector.
Impact on the energy Sector
Senior Editor: What impact do you foresee this project having on the global energy sector?
Dr. Leila Al-Hadrami: This project is a game-changer. It demonstrates that renewable energy can be both scalable and reliable, addressing one of the biggest challenges in the sector—energy storage. By providing a continuous baseload of clean energy, we’re paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future. I believe this project will inspire similar initiatives worldwide, accelerating the global transition to renewable energy.
Key Highlights of the Project
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Capacity | 5.2 GW |
| Battery Storage | 19 GWh |
| Daily baseload Output | 1 GW |
| Preferred Suppliers | JA solar, Jinko Solar (solar PV modules), CATL (battery storage) |
| EPC Contractors | Larsen & Toubro, PowerChina HDEC |
| Estimated Cost | $6 billion |
| commercial Operation | 2027 |
Looking Ahead
Senior Editor: what’s next for Masdar and this project?
Dr. Leila Al-Hadrami: The next steps involve rigorous planning and execution to ensure the project is completed on schedule by 2027. Beyond this, Masdar is committed to expanding its portfolio of renewable energy projects, both regionally and globally. We’re also focused on advancing research and development to further enhance the efficiency and affordability of clean energy technologies. This project is just the beginning of a much larger journey toward a sustainable energy future.
For more details on Masdar’s groundbreaking efforts, visit their official declaration here.
