Abu Dhabi has become home to one of the world's largest solar power plants, a game changer in the renewable energy landscape, by launching the 2GW Al Dhafra Solar PV project. With a capacity of 1.17 GW, Abu Dhabi’s solar project will generate clean electricity equivalent to powering more than 900,000 homes, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than a million tons per year. Abu Dhabi Solar Power Plant is expected to permeate solar energy on a global level with the latest Solar Energy Technologies.
HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, says, "As the UAE prepares to host COP28, this ground-breaking project reflects the country's continued commitment to increasing the share of clean energy, reducing carbon emissions and supporting global efforts on climate action. We demonstrate day after day, project after project, that the UAE is at the forefront of developing and deploying innovative clean energy solutions in the world. We will achieve energy security, and at the same time help build a bright future for future generations.”
Large Scale Project
Located 35 kilometers from the city of Abu Dhabi, the landmark solar farm was built in one phase and produces enough electricity to power nearly 200,000 homes, displacing 2.4 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Al Dhafra Solar PV covers more than 20 square kilometers of desert and created 4,500 jobs at the peak of the construction phase. It uses nearly 4 million solar panels using innovative bi-facial technology that ensures sunlight is captured on both sides of the panels to maximize performance.
In less than fifteen years, the United Arab Emirates has become a world leader in solar energy. In 2009, Masdar launched its first 10 MW solar project in the country; Al Dhafra Solar PV represents a 200-fold power plant. As the countdown to COP28 begins in the United Arab Emirates, this mega-project has initially achieved the world's lowest rate in financial terms, demonstrating the country's long-term commitment to reducing carbon emissions both nationally and globally.
According to reports, the United Arab Emirates is also the world leader in the use of solar energy and is second in the world in terms of solar energy consumption per capita. In less than ten years, the country has surpassed the leading countries in installing solar energy.
Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, says, “This world-leading solar project demonstrates significant progress in solar energy efficiency, innovation, and cost competitiveness - setting a new record low tariff. To create Al Dhafra, Masdar brought together three partners from around the world: TAQA, EDF of France, and JikoPower of China. Just days before COP28 begins, I am calling on the world to come together and make an energy transition by tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. Al Dhafra is an example of the scale of the goal that is needed globally.”
The implementation of the project became possible when global energy leaders entered into a strategic partnership and used their shared expertise. Designed and procured by EWEC, Al Dhafra Solar PV has broken cost records for utility-scale solar projects. Initially, the project achieved one of the most competitive solar tariffs of 4.97 AED/kWh, which further increased to 4.85 AED/kWh after the economic decision.
Clean Energy
Within fewer than fifteen years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a prominent force in the field of solar energy. In 2009, Masdar inaugurated the nation's inaugural solar project, boasting a capacity of 10MW. The country is now ranked second globally in per capita solar energy usage.
Harnessing its potential in renewable energy, the initiative highlights the role of the UAE in driving global growth in the sector. This is consistent with management and commitment to the comprehensive promotion of clean technologies and renewable energy solutions. Such an initiative will further strengthen global climate action and advance the UAE's Net Zero 2050 initiative.
Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, Chairman of the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, says, “The news about the plant and the opening is also particularly important because it coincides with the preparations of the country and the parties for the 28th Conference on Climate Change (COP28). This will further strengthen national efforts to produce solar electricity at competitive costs, significantly supporting Abu Dhabi's commitment to clean and renewable energy diversification and the strategies and policies of the Ministry of Energy.”
The present time is a critical milestone for the world and the largest single-phase solar power plant. It is time to appreciate the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Energy, EWEC and Jinko Power International partners and other stakeholders for their incredible support and commitment, which will make this day a long memory and record for the world in the history of renewable energy. Jinko Power is proud to deliver a new world and record-breaking solar energy project to the Emirates following the successful completion of the Noor Abu Dhabi project, despite the enormous challenges posed by the global pandemic. It demonstrates the robust auction programs planned and implemented by the Abu Dhabi government. Jinko Power International remains fully committed to continuing our contribution to the goal of carbon neutrality in Abu Dhabi and globally.
UAE's First Utility-Scale Wind Project
Developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC - Masdar, the 103.5 megawatt (MW) project features for the first time the latest technology and innovation to capture low wind speeds at energy scale, using advances in materials science and aerodynamics to enable wind power. The project marks the debut of cost-effective, large-scale wind power on the UAE's electricity grid, diversifying the country's energy sources and advancing the energy transition.
The UAE wind program is expected to bring electricity to more than 23,000 UAE homes each year. That displaces 120,000 tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to taking more than 26,000 cars off the road each year. The development underlines the commitment of the UAE to address climate change, as it looks forward to a comprehensive COP focused on achieving results.
This project is the first time the UAE has added utility-scale wind power to its energy mix. Energy from major solar, nuclear, and waste-to-energy plants is already feeding into the UAE's national grid, and the country is recognized as the world's leading user of solar energy.