The United Arab Emirates launches a 5.2 GW solar project with storage

The United Arab Emirates inaugurates a groundbreaking solar energy project combining a 5.2 GW capacity with 19 GWh battery storage, ensuring continuous energy supply.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the launch of the world’s first large-scale project combining solar energy production and an advanced battery storage system. With a photovoltaic solar capacity of 5.2 gigawatts (GW) and 19 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of storage, this project aims to provide clean, uninterrupted energy 24 hours a day.

This development aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision to become a global leader in the energy transition and strengthens its role on the international stage. The project, located in Abu Dhabi, is spearheaded by Masdar and the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) in collaboration with other strategic partners.

A Model for Clean Energy

The UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, presided over the launch ceremony, emphasizing the importance of this project in overcoming the intermittency of renewable energy. Through this innovation, the country aims to transform solar energy into a reliable, sustainable baseload power source.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman of Masdar, stated that this project represents a decisive step toward achieving the UAE’s carbon neutrality goals by 2050. It also reflects the leadership’s commitment to diversifying the national economy while meeting the growing energy needs of sectors such as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

Economic and Geopolitical Impacts

With significant investment and the creation of over 10,000 jobs, this initiative reinforces the UAE’s position as a hub of energy innovation. The integration of battery storage solutions not only improves the reliability of renewable energy but also reduces carbon emissions to an unprecedented level.

On a geopolitical level, this project positions Abu Dhabi as a key player in the global energy transition, meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. Leveraging innovative technology, it sets a standard for other nations looking to develop sustainable energy infrastructure.

A Redefined Energy Future

The combined solar panel and battery storage facility represents a major breakthrough in the energy transition. It resolves challenges related to renewable energy intermittency and ensures continuous power supply for critical industries.

This project also underscores the UAE’s commitment to maintaining sustainable energy security while contributing to global decarbonization efforts. It will serve as a model for similar initiatives, solidifying the country’s leadership in the renewable energy sector.

Gentari has started construction at the Maryvale site, a solar project combined with a 409 MWh battery storage system, located in Central-West Orana and backed by a long-term public contract.
Casa dos Ventos has chosen Nextracker to equip four solar and hybrid projects totalling 1.5 GW, marking its first large-scale entry into the solar sector in Brazil.
Melvan obtains €4.26mn in bank financing to develop three solar power plants totalling 3.9 MWp, with construction scheduled to start in the second half of 2025.
Arevon’s Eland Solar-plus-Storage project, with a capacity of 758 megawatts and integrated storage, enters full operation in California after two phases and more than $2 bn in investment.
5N Plus announces the extension of its supply agreement with First Solar, including a 33% increase in cadmium telluride volumes by 2026 and the delivery of new essential materials for photovoltaic production.
Scatec has finalised the financing for its 142 megawatt solar project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, marking a new milestone for the Norwegian company in the South American market.
Fortistar and Epic Star Energy take control of a group of strategic renewable assets, including a solar power plant in Kauai, marking a major milestone for Hawaii's energy development.
According to Wood Mackenzie, the end of the tax credit in the United States could lead to a 46% drop in new residential solar installations by 2030, despite strong long-term market potential.
Audax Renovables commits EUR17mn to a 21.88 MWp solar plant in Navalmoral de la Mata, targeting annual output of 42 GWh, backed by structured financing from the European Investment Bank.
Solarcentury commissions 25 MWp at Mailo, Zambia, connecting for the first time a merchant solar plant to the Southern African Power Pool and begins construction of the next phase.
Solarise Africa secures $3.3mn in financing from Mergence Investment Managers to accelerate the deployment of solar systems for the commercial and industrial sector in Africa.
First Solar anticipates higher revenue for the current year, driven by an increase in solar panel prices following the introduction of new import tariffs.
GoldenPeaks Capital commissions two large-scale photovoltaic plants in Hungary, strengthening the integration of independent solar generation and the electricity supply on the national market.
Emerge has signed a twenty-year contract with Misk City for the supply of solar electricity through a 621 kWp photovoltaic plant, supporting the site’s environmental certification and urban transformation.
SANY begins construction of a 10 MW solar power plant in Zimbabwe, the first African project integrating engineering, procurement and financing, while continuing its expansion in microgrids and hybrid solutions across the continent.
Stem deploys a grid optimisation solution for the Camino solar site, with a capacity of 57 MW, in California, meeting IEEE 2800 standards and targeting operational reliability and market performance.
Green Hybrid Power secures initial $4.4mn financing to launch a 1 GW floating solar power plant in Zimbabwe, aiming to supply 500 MW to industry under a twenty-year contract.
Loblaw Group will deploy a 7.5 MW photovoltaic installation on the roof of its East Gwillimbury distribution centre, generating up to 25% of the site’s annual electricity and marking a new step for the Canadian logistics sector.
Savion, a Shell subsidiary, transfers majority ownership of five solar projects to Tango Holdings, 80% owned by Ares, to optimise the U.S. renewable electricity production portfolio and improve the profitability of the oil group’s investments.
Investment fund KKR is committing $335mn in a strategic partnership with CleanPeak Energy to accelerate the rollout of solar, storage and microgrid solutions aimed at Australian businesses.
Consent Preferences