ABU DHABI, UAE – Dongfang Electric Corporation (DEC) has officially secured the EPC contract for the UAE's BESS1 Battery Energy Storage System Project, the largest grid-side energy storage project in the country awarded through open bidding. The signing ceremony took place at the UAE Ministry of Energy and was attended by Mr. Luo Qianyi, Secretary of the CPC Leadership Group and Chairman of DEC, and Mr. Yousuf Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity (EWE).

Representing their respective organizations at the signing were Mr. Chen Qiang, Secretary of the CPC Committee and Chairman of Dongfang Electric International (DEC International), and Mr. Mohammed Al Sheikh, CEO of UAE Utilities Development Company (UAE PDC).

This landmark contract not only signifies DEC International's official entry into the UAE market but also stands as a key achievement in advancing the company’s operational strategy focused on "green transformation and prioritized profitability."

Prior to the signing, Mr. Luo Qianyi led a delegation in meetings with both EWE and UAE PDC. During the discussions, Mr. Luo expressed gratitude for the longstanding support from both companies, provided an overview of DEC’s development, and reaffirmed DEC’s commitment to leveraging its strengths in energy equipment manufacturing. He emphasized the corporation’s dedication to deepening collaboration to promote local green energy development and deliver more landmark projects.

Located in Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, the BESS1 project holds multiple distinctions: it is the largest grid-side energy storage project in the UAE awarded via open bidding, the first project launched by UAE PDC since its establishment, and the largest energy storage project overseas for DEC to date.

The EPC scope encompasses the construction of two battery energy storage sites—Al Bihouth and Madinat Zayed—along with associated step-up substations, with a total capacity approaching 1 gigawatt-hour (GWh).

As the first grid-side energy storage project in the UAE, it will, upon completion, play a vital role in enhancing the flexibility of Abu Dhabi's power system, supporting electricity supply security, and facilitating the large-scale integration of renewable energy. The project will also contribute significantly to ensuring the stable operation of the local new-type power system.

This initiative strongly aligns with the UAE’s ongoing efforts to transform its energy mix. In accordance with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the country aims to increase the share of clean energy in its total energy mix to 50% by 2050.Editor/Huang Lijun