Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) has named key suppliers and contractors for the world’s first large-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) capable of delivering continuous renewable energy.
The landmark gigascale project, a collaboration with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), will combine a 5.2GW (DC) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant with a 19GWh BESS, setting a new global benchmark in clean energy innovation.
At Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), Masdar announced that Jinko Solar and JA Solar, two of the world’s largest PV module manufacturers, have been selected as preferred suppliers for solar modules.
Chinese battery giant CATL will supply its advanced TENER technology for the BESS. Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts have been awarded to Larsen & Toubro and POWERCHINA, both recognized leaders in infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
The project, described as the largest of its kind globally, aims to overcome the intermittency challenges of renewable energy by providing 1GW of baseload clean power 24 hours a day. The solar PV plant, coupled with CATL’s state-of-the-art battery technology, will ensure seamless integration of renewable energy into the grid, supporting the UAE’s ambitious Energy Strategy 2050.
“The record-breaking project we are developing with EWEC is a giant step forward in the clean energy transformation,” said Abdulaziz Alobaidli, Chief Operating Officer of Masdar. “As our most ambitious initiative to date, we have partnered with industry leaders to deliver a facility that redefines global clean energy standards.”
Jinko Solar and JA Solar will each supply 2.6GW of PV modules equipped with advanced TopCon technology to maximize efficiency and durability over a 30-year operational lifespan. Meanwhile, CATL’s 19GWh battery system will feature integrated safety and efficiency enhancements, ensuring the stable and reliable operation of the facility throughout its lifecycle.
The Letters of Award were signed during a ceremony at ADSW, with senior representatives from Masdar, POWERCHINA, and Larsen & Toubro in attendance.
The gigascale project aligns with Masdar’s mandate to accelerate the UAE’s transition to a sustainable energy future and contribute to its goal of achieving a 50% clean energy mix by 2050. It also builds on the UAE’s leadership role established during COP28, where consensus was reached on advancing global climate action.
Since its founding in 2006, Masdar has spearheaded renewable energy projects across 40 countries. With a target of 100GW renewable energy capacity and a leadership position in green hydrogen production by 2030, the company continues to drive innovation and sustainability on a global scale.
