Abu Dhabi has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to address one of the most persistent challenges in renewable energy: its intermittent nature. The emirate has launched the world’s first gigascale project capable of delivering continuous baseload power solely from renewable sources. This Dh22-billion facility, set to become operational by 2027, will generate one gigawatt of clean electricity, enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes. The project pairs advanced solar technology with the world’s largest battery storage system, spanning an area comparable to Manhattan and featuring a 19-gigawatt-hour battery. This system will store energy generated during peak sunlight and dispatch it seamlessly through the night and during cloudy days, ensuring uninterrupted power supply regardless of weather conditions. The project, developed by Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company, aligns with the UAE’s vision to decarbonize and innovate. It is expected to create over 10,000 jobs and establish new manufacturing facilities across the UAE. Upon completion, the facility will avoid approximately 5.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to removing over one million cars from the road. This initiative represents a significant leap forward in renewable energy, proving that continuous, reliable power from solar and wind is achievable. It also underscores the UAE’s leadership in global renewable energy development, with Masdar targeting 100 gigawatts of clean energy capacity by 2030.
Solar power after sunset? How Abu Dhabi will deliver round-the-clock renewable energy
