Rewriting the Energy Rulebook: Abu Dhabi’s World-First 24/7 Solar Megaproject

The World Energy Future Summit is going on in Abu Dhabi and it has once again made history with the launch of the world’s first large-scale, round-the-clock solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage gigascale project.

In the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, announcing this initiative is set to redefine the global energy landscape.

This project is a collaboration between Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) and integrates a 5.2 GW solar PV plant with a record-breaking 19 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS).

This innovation will deliver 1 gigawatt of uninterrupted clean energy daily, redefining the permanent challenges of renewable energy intermittency.

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman of Masdar, said, “For decades, the biggest barrier facing renewable energy has been its inability to provide consistent power. With this project, we are transforming renewable energy into a reliable baseload power source, a giant leap forward for the energy transition.”

This world-class initiative marks a critical moment for clean energy. The integration of solar PV and advanced battery storage ensures 24/7 energy availability, supporting industries such as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies while reducing carbon emissions.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, highlighted the project’s global significance: “This sets a new benchmark in clean energy, proving that sustainable solutions can drive both economic and environmental progress.

Apart from technological innovation, the project aims to create over 10,000 jobs and economic growth while achieving the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050.

The UAE is setting an unparalleled example of how innovation can meet growing energy demands sustainably with the world’s largest solar PV and BESS facility.