Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), in collaboration with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), is developing the world’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) project. The facility will have a total capacity of 5.2 gigawatts (GW) in direct current (DC) and 19-gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery storage.
The project is divided into two sites, the north and the south, with each having 2.6 GW PV capacity and 9.5 GWh storage. It will operate 24/7, supplying one GW of baseload power continuously.
Indian construction firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been selected as one of the preferred contractors for the north site of the project. This was announced during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). The event was attended by UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Sultan Al Jaber, who is also the Chairman of Masdar.
The project aims to address intermittency challenges of renewable energy by combining solar power with large-scale energy storage. Once operational, it is expected to be a global benchmark for clean energy systems.
Masdar has also been active in other renewable energy initiatives in the UAE. This includes the 100 MW Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant, operational since 2019, and its participation in the 2 GW Al Dhafra Solar PV project. L&T, through its renewables division, has also partnered on other projects in the Middle East and India, including wind and hybrid renewable solutions.
The UAE’s energy strategy is focused on diversifying its energy mix and increasing the share of renewables. In addition to Masdar’s projects, the UAE is exploring hydrogen energy and expanding its nuclear energy program through the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.
Masdar and L&T’s collaboration on this new gigascale project reflects ongoing efforts in clean energy transition and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
