UAE Breaks Ground on First Gigascale Round-the-Clock Renewable Energy Project
His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has overseen the groundbreaking of the world’s largest combined solar and battery storage project, which will deliver 1GW of continuous renewable baseload power. As a result, the initiative marks a major advance for clean energy and directly addresses the challenge of intermittency. In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the project aims to redefine what renewable power can achieve, and it introduces a globally competitive tariff for gigascale baseload energy for the first time. Consequently, it sets a new international benchmark while reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in clean energy innovation.
The development integrates a 5.2GW solar photovoltaic plant with a 19GWh battery energy storage system, and together they form the most technologically advanced system of its kind worldwide. Moreover, the design incorporates AI-enhanced forecasting, intelligent dispatch capabilities, and AI-ready infrastructure that supports predictive analytics and system optimization. Because of this advanced architecture, the project will demonstrate how large-scale solar and storage can work seamlessly to deliver uninterrupted power.
His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber said: “Masdar and EWEC are breaking ground on the future, here in Abu Dhabi. With the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this gigascale project is a step towards redefining the role of renewable energy for the information age. This breakthrough is the culmination of Masdar’s two decades of excellence in renewables and is testament to the power of collaboration in Abu Dhabi’s energy ecosystem. As the world looks for secure, sustainable and affordable energy, the UAE is proud to offer a new vision for technologically enabled growth.”
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi said: “This groundbreaking is a proud occasion for Masdar and the UAE, and represents a pivotal moment in clean energy transformation. This world-first project, the largest and most ambitious in Masdar’s history, is a blueprint for the world, demonstrating that renewable energy can be dispatched around the clock. By overcoming the challenge of intermittency, we can provide sustainable power to meet fast-growing demand from advancements in artificial intelligence and other technologies. We look forward to working closely with EWEC and our partners to deliver this landmark project, which will set the global standard for renewable energy development and support other nations in delivering on their clean energy objectives.”
A Blueprint for Global Energy Transformation
The project is designed to serve as a scalable model for nations seeking clean, secure, and always-available power. Furthermore, it is expected to meet rising electricity demand, especially as advancements in artificial intelligence require dependable energy supplies. When operational, the facility will deliver 1GW of continuous clean power at a competitive tariff, while avoiding approximately 5.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year. Additionally, it will support ongoing diversification of the UAE’s energy mix, and it is scheduled to begin operations in 2027.
Ahmed Ali Alshamsi said: “This landmark project is a testament to the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the unwavering commitment of EWEC and our partners in commissioning and developing transformative innovations that support national objectives. Abu Dhabi and the UAE are a global hub for artificial intelligence research, innovation, and adoption, and this project will ensure that the energy needs of this key sector are met sustainably, powering the next generation of economic growth. We are proud to have strategically collaborated with Masdar on this iconic project, and to break ground on a new era of energy in the UAE.”
Because the development represents more than US$6 billion in capital investment, it will also generate over 10,000 jobs and stimulate new manufacturing and service facilities. In addition, the initiative aligns with national ambitions to strengthen socioeconomic growth while meeting accelerating energy requirements from AI and the digital economy. The UAE continues to position AI as a foundation of its long-term strategy, aiming to become a global leader by 2031.
Advancing the Future of Energy Storage and Innovation
The project builds on extensive experience in battery storage, as the developers have pursued major investments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. These include the world’s first storage system linked to a floating offshore wind farm. Going forward, the organization behind the project aims to expand its global clean energy portfolio to 100GW by 2030. Consequently, the UAE’s latest initiative is not only reshaping national energy capabilities but also offering a model that other countries can adopt as they transition to a clean, technology-driven future.
