Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Abu Dhabi Breaks Ground on 24/7 Gigascale Solar‑Plus‑Storage Plant Delivering 1GW Baseload

Developers present the Masdar–EWEC venture as a replicable blueprint to serve fast‑rising AI plus data‑centre demand with reliable clean power.

Overview

  • Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company began construction in Al Wathba on a $6 billion project that will supply one gigawatt of continuous renewable power.
  • The facility combines 5.2 gigawatts of solar photovoltaics with a 19 gigawatt‑hour battery system, described as the largest integrated deployment of its kind.
  • Commissioning is targeted for 2027 with developers projecting avoidance of about 5.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
  • The project is expected to create more than 10,000 jobs and enable new manufacturing and service facilities at a globally competitive tariff.
  • Advanced features include virtual power plant integration, AI‑enhanced forecasting, intelligent dispatch, grid‑forming capability, and black start functionality, with potential for expansion and international replication.