Masdar Announces Key Suppliers and Contractors for World’s First Round-the-Clock Gigascale Renewable Energy Project

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar has unveiled its preferred suppliers and contractors for the development of the world’s first large-scale, round-the-clock gigascale renewable energy project. This groundbreaking initiative will combine solar photovoltaic (PV) power and battery storage to deliver uninterrupted renewable energy.

JA Solar and Jinko Solar, two of the world’s leading PV module suppliers, along with CATL, the largest battery manufacturer and a leading battery energy storage system (BESS) supplier, have been selected as preferred suppliers. Additionally, Larsen & Toubro and POWERCHINA have been chosen as preferred Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors.

The announcement was made during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) at a special ceremony held at the Masdar Pavilion. Letters of Award for the EPC contracts were signed by Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer of Masdar, and representatives from the respective contractors.

The project, developed in collaboration with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), will feature a 5.2GW (DC) solar PV plant coupled with a 19GWh BESS, making it the largest combined solar and battery storage facility globally. Once completed, the facility will provide up to 1GW of baseload power 24 hours a day, seven days a week, addressing the intermittency challenges of renewable energy.

A Landmark in Clean Energy Innovation

Abdulaziz Alobaidli, COO of Masdar, emphasized the project’s transformative potential:
“The record-breaking project we are developing with EWEC is a giant step forward in the clean energy transformation, overcoming the intermittency challenges of renewables and enabling the dispatch of clean energy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As Masdar’s largest and most ambitious project to date, we made sure we are working with the best possible partners that will deliver to the highest standards. I look forward to working with these preferred suppliers in setting a new global benchmark in clean energy innovation.”

JA Solar and Jinko Solar will each supply PV modules with a capacity of 2.6GW, utilizing the latest TopCon technology optimized for maximum efficiency and a 30-year lifespan. Meanwhile, CATL will supply its advanced TENER technology for the 19GWh BESS, ensuring safety, reliability, and high integration for stable project operation.

Supporting UAE Energy Strategy 2050

This innovative solar PV and BESS facility will play a pivotal role in advancing the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, ensuring seamless integration of renewable energy into the grid. It aligns with the goals outlined during COP28, reaffirming the UAE’s position as a global leader in clean energy transformation.

Masdar’s initiative sets a new standard in renewable energy projects, ensuring sustainability, reliability, and efficiency on a global scale.