Solar power is often referred to as intermittent energy. However, there’s nothing the United Arab Emirates’ petrodollars can’t do. Abu Dhabi will make the impossible possible after it announced the world’s largest solar plant designed to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What’s new? UAE isn’t hesitating to invest its fossil fuel profits in renewable energy projects that will eventually replace them. Abu Dhabi recently signed a $6 billion contract for the installation of a utility-scale photovoltaic power plant with a unique feature.
According to developer Masdar, this will be the first solar plant designed to supply clean energy around the clock. It’ll utilize the abundant Emirati sunlight, millions of solar panels, and a vast energy storage system.
Project details. The ambitious initiative, which will combine a 5.2 GW photovoltaic plant with a 19 GWh battery storage system, will be led by the state-owned Emirates Water and Electricity Company.
Once operational, the plant will power millions of homes and contribute up to 1 GW to the grid’s base load. This is the minimum power required by the power grid and is typically supplied by more stable thermal sources such as coal and gas.
Chinese alliance. UAE is strengthening its ties with Chinese companies for this renewable energy initiative, similar to developments in neighboring Saudi Arabia. JA Solar and Jinko Solar are set to supply a total of 2.6 GW of solar panels, utilizing advanced TopCon technology known for its higher efficiency and lower degradation rates.
Additionally, CATL will provide the batteries that will be directly integrated into its TENER storage system. This system boasts zero degradation over five years and a capacity of 6.25 MWh per container. POWERCHINA and the Indian multinational company Larsen & Toubro will manage the design and construction of the plant, creating approximately 10,000 jobs in the process.
Green Emirates. Abu Dhabi wants to commence operations by 2027. The project is part of the UAE’s long-term vision outlined in the Energy Strategy 2050.
The country recently hosted the COP28 summit, where United Nations members highlighted the pressing need for more sustainable energy solutions. UAE Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, who chaired the summit, is also the country’s industry and advanced technology minister and the chairman of Masdar, the developer of the solar plant.
“This will, for the first time ever, transform renewable energy into baseload energy. It is the first step that could become a giant leap,” al-Jaber said.
Image | Kevin JD
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