Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, in partnership with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), has announced a groundbreaking project. It will be the world’s first gigascale solar PV and battery storage project capable of delivering baseload power 24/7.
The organizers made the announcement during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). They described the groundbreaking initiative as a major step in clean energy transformation.
The innovative project will feature a massive 5.2 GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant. It will also integrate a 19-gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). This combination will make it the largest solar and BESS project globally.
The team will divide the facility into two sites: the north site and the south site, each with 2.6 GW of PV capacity and 9.5 GWh BESS capacity.
L&T Chosen as Preferred EPC Contractor for North Site
Masdar has selected Larsen & Toubro’s renewables division as its preferred Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor. This selection is for the north site of this landmark project. This recognition underscores L&T’s expertise in clean energy projects.
Signing Ceremony Highlights Commitment to Innovation
The officials signed a formal Letter of Award during the ceremony at ADSW.
Key dignitaries included His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar.
The agreement was signed by Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer of Masdar, and A. Ravindran, Senior Vice President and Head – Renewables IC at L&T, in the presence of T Madhava Das, Whole-Time Director and Sr. Executive Vice President (Utilities), L&T.
Leadership Comments on the Project
Abdulaziz Alobaidli, COO, Masdar stated, “The record-breaking project we are developing with EWEC is a giant step forward in the clean energy transition. It addresses the intermittency of renewables and ensures the delivery of clean energy 24/7. As Masdar’s largest and most ambitious project to date, we are working with the best partners to set a global benchmark in clean energy innovation.”
L&T’s Commitment to Sustainability
S.N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro, highlighted the UAE’s leadership in sustainability. He said, “The UAE’s foresight and definitive actions reflect its role as a leader in accelerating sustainable economic progress.” L&T is deploying advanced capabilities for the global energy transition”.
Trusted Partnership
T Madhava Das, Whole-Time Director and Sr. Executive Vice President (Utilities) at L&T mentioned, “We are thrilled that our trusted partnership with Masdar has led to this significant opportunity. With our expertise in dispatchable renewable energy, power transmission, and distribution, we are committed to delivering this ultra-mega project. Our focus also includes digital solutions that align with futuristic ambitions.”
A Bold Step Toward a Clean Energy Future
The gigascale project, the largest of its kind, signals a major leap in renewable energy technology and deployment.
As per the press release, the project integrates advanced solar and battery storage solutions. It sets new global standards for sustainable energy projects and positions the UAE as a leader in clean energy innovation.
