The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the launch of the world’s first large-scale round-the-clock project that combines solar power and battery storage, located in Abu Dhabi. Developed by Masdar, the project will feature a 5.2 gigawatt (GW) solar photovoltaic plant and a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage facility. This will enable the generation of up to 1 gigawatt of baseload power daily from renewable energy. The project’s chairman, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, stated that this will mark a significant transformation, providing reliable, clean energy round the clock, on an unprecedented scale.
According to Masdar CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, the project is expected to create over 10,000 new jobs. The solar and battery energy storage facility will ensure the stability and efficiency of renewable energy by overcoming its intermittency. The 19 GWh battery storage facility will also enable the integration of solar power into the grid. Masdar’s chairperson emphasized the importance of creating a renewable energy facility that is capable of providing clean energy “round the clock” and collaborating with partners and stakeholders to develop this project.