Solar energy: Abu Dhabi accelerates its energy transition

The United Arab Emirates launch a 1.5 GW photovoltaic project in Abu Dhabi, marking a crucial step towards the Net Zero 2050 objective.

Share:

Abu Dhabi Pionnier Solaire

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) recently made headlines by announcing the award of the contract to develop the 1.5 gigawatt (GW) AC Al Ajban solar power plant. This major project has been awarded to an international consortium comprising EDF Renewables, Korea Western Power Company (KOWEPO), with Masdar as local shareholder. This initiative is part of the UAE’s long-term strategy to increase its renewable energy production capacity and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

Signature and scope of the PPA

The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed at the World Future Energy Summit, marking a formal commitment between EWEC and the project developers. This contract stipulates that EWEC will only purchase the net energy generated by the plant, thus ensuring financial planning based on actual production. The consortium is responsible for the design, financing, construction and operation of the plant, located around 70 km northeast of Abu Dhabi.

Capacity and environmental impact

Once fully operational, the Al Ajban plant will make a significant contribution to the Emirates’ energy capacity. With enough output to power around 160,000 homes, this project will play a key role in reducing Abu Dhabi ‘s annual carbon emissions by 2.4 million metric tons. This represents a giant step forward in the emirate’s efforts to achieve its goals of sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key players and their vision

The signing ceremony was attended by key figures such as HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Chairman of Masdar and COP28, as well as the Chairmen and CEOs of EWEC, EDF Group, and KOWEPO. These leaders expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to the success of the project, highlighting its role in advancing solar technology and meeting national and global energy goals.

The project’s strategic role in the energy transition

Al Ajban is not just a renewable energy project; it is also a cornerstone of the Emirates’ strategy to become a world leader in the green energy sector. By aligning this project with initiatives such as the UAE 2050 energy strategy and the Net Zero by 2050 initiative, the Emirates are demonstrating their ability to integrate environmental objectives into their economic and technological development.

Future implications and planned expansion

With commissioning of the plant scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, EWEC is already planning to develop further solar capacity, envisaging the addition of 1.4 GW of new solar PV capacity each year between 2027 and 2037. This ambitious plan reflects not only the Emirates’ commitment to renewable energy, but also their desire to lead by example on the world stage when it comes to energy transition.

The Al Ajban project is a striking example of how strategic collaborations and long-term commitments can propel a country to the forefront of the global renewable energy scene. The United Arab Emirates, through EWEC and its partners, is demonstrating that technological ambition, combined with a clear vision and institutional support, can achieve significant advances in combating climate change and promoting global sustainability.

The global photovoltaic films market is expected to see significant growth, reaching $41.59bn by 2034 due to the development of new solar technologies and the increasing demand for encapsulation suited to these innovations, a recent study indicates.
Italian group Plenitude has begun building Entrenúcleos, a 200 MW photovoltaic plant near Seville, set to deliver more than 435 GWh a year from 2026 while trialling locally produced green steel.
The state-controlled refiner has launched a 7.5-megawatt photovoltaic unit off Qingdao, the country’s first commercial installation designed for fully saline waters, intended to supply its future renewable hydrogen production.
The Emirati company Global South Utilities plans to install up to 250 MW of solar capacity in Madagascar, a project aimed at strengthening the national electricity network heavily reliant on fossil fuels and frequently facing energy deficits.
Emerging economies from the BRICS group now account for more than half of global solar electricity production in 2024, driven mainly by China, India, and Brazil, according to a new report by the organisation Ember.
Star Trade, a subsidiary of HD Renewable Energy, has signed a power purchase agreement with Lightsource bp to manage electricity distribution from a 115 MWp solar project located in Chiayi, strengthening their presence in the Taiwanese market.
TotalEnergies will develop a 1.8 MW photovoltaic installation for Daehwa Pharmaceutical, covering approximately 20% of the annual energy requirements of the production site located in Hoengseong-gun, South Korea, under a 20-year agreement.
Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners announces full operational launch of Cleve Hill Solar Park, now becoming the largest active photovoltaic power plant in the United Kingdom with a total installed capacity reaching 373 MW.
European photovoltaic module manufacturer BISOL is integrating G12R solar cells into its product range, replacing the former M10 cells, to improve product performance and technological competitiveness starting from the second quarter of 2025.
Adani Green Energy Limited becomes the first Indian company to achieve 15,539.9 MW of operational renewable capacity, cementing its position among the global top 10 independent green power producers.
Italian group Pronur establishes itself in Saudi Arabia with support from AstroLabs, aiming to provide advanced technologies in the renewable energy sector and develop new industrial partnerships.
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. announces the launch of a $2mn public offering to finance working capital, product development and general expenses.
Ardian Clean Energy Evergreen Fund takes control of 117 photovoltaic plants totalling 116 MW in Italy, further consolidating its presence in the country’s renewable energy sector.
Zelestra has secured $282mn financing from Natixis CIB, BNP Paribas and BCI for its Aurora project, combining a 220 MWdc solar plant and 1 GWh storage capacity in the Tarapacá region, Chile.
Egypt has been building an industrial photovoltaic solar complex in Ain Sokhna since June 19, aiming to stimulate strategic local production with a total investment of $200 million funded by the Chinese group Sunrev.
Générale du Solaire has inaugurated in Leutenheim, Bas-Rhin, a floating photovoltaic plant of approximately 20 MWc installed on a former gravel pit, marking the region's first large-scale project supported by successful local participatory funding.
Plenitude and Modine have signed an agreement to build a photovoltaic plant with an installed capacity of 1.585 MWp in Pocenia, designed to power thermal and refrigeration equipment at Modine’s Italian industrial site, without initial investment.
Namibia begins construction of its largest solar plant, Sores|Gaib, aiming to reduce dependence on energy imports by leveraging its solar potential, considered among the highest globally according to the World Bank.
Bangladesh’s interim government has ordered mandatory deployment of solar systems on public building rooftops to reduce reliance on costly fossil fuel imports amid a fragile economic backdrop.
The Energy Progress Report 2025 shows an improvement in global electricity access to 92%, but highlights that 666 million people remain without electricity, particularly due to insufficient international funding for rural areas.