The United Arab Emirates on Friday broke ground on the world’s first gigascale round-the-clock renewable energy project, a landmark move aimed at overcoming the intermittency challenge of solar and wind power while setting a new global benchmark for clean electricity deployment.
The project, developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, also known as Masdar, and Emirates Water and Electricity Co., will deliver 1 gigawatt of continuous baseload renewable energy at a globally competitive tariff.
It reflects the vision of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to drive innovation and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.
“The UAE is redefining renewable energy for the information age,” said Sultan Al Jaber, minister of industry and advanced technology and chairman of Masdar. “With this project, we are showing that renewables can provide secure, affordable and sustainable power 24 hours a day.”
Advanced Design and Global First
The project will integrate a 5.2-gigawatt solar photovoltaic plant with a 19-GW-hour battery energy storage system — the largest and most advanced in the world. It will feature artificial intelligence-enhanced forecasting, intelligent dispatch and predictive analytics to maximize efficiency.
Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi called it “a blueprint for the world,” adding that overcoming the challenge of intermittency was key to meeting growing demand from AI and other emerging technologies.
Powering the AI Revolution
The $6 billion facility is expected to begin operations by 2027. Once completed, it will provide 1GW of steady, clean power while avoiding 5.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The project will also support more than 10,000 jobs and stimulate local manufacturing and services.
“Abu Dhabi is becoming a global hub for AI and innovation,” said EWEC CEO Ahmed Ali Alshamsi. “This project ensures those sectors grow sustainably, powering the next phase of the UAE’s economic diversification.”
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s 2031 AI strategy, which seeks to make the technology a cornerstone of national growth.
Setting a Blueprint for Global Deployment
Once operational, the system will serve as a global model for round-the-clock renewable energy generation. The UAE hopes the project will inspire other nations to adopt similar large-scale solutions for secure and sustainable power.
Masdar, one of the world’s fastest-growing clean energy developers, is expanding its portfolio to 100GW across clean technologies by 2030. Its investments already span the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries, including the world’s first battery storage system linked to a floating offshore wind farm.
With this groundbreaking, the UAE has reinforced its role as a global pioneer in the renewable energy transition — one that integrates technology, sustainability and innovation to meet the power demands of a digital future.
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