Recently, Saudi state-owned renewable energy developer Masdar officially launched a super large solar and energy storage project in Abu Dhabi with a total investment of 5.9 billion US dollars (approximately 232 billion dirhams). The planned installed capacity of this project is 5.2 gigawatts of solar photovoltaics, accompanied by a 19 gigawatt hour battery energy storage system. It is referred to by Masdar as the largest and most advanced comprehensive clean energy project of its kind in the world, and is expected to be put into operation in 2027.

The project is jointly developed by Masdar and the United Arab Emirates Water and Electricity Company. After completion, it will be able to provide a stable base load of 1 gigawatt of electricity 24/7, effectively overcoming the intermittency problem of renewable energy and achieving reliable power supply at a globally competitive electricity price. Although similar all-weather clean energy projects are being promoted in many parts of the world, there are few cases that can achieve such a scale.

On the technological path, the project integrates multiple cutting-edge technologies, including virtual power plants, power grid construction and black start capabilities, as well as artificial intelligence based prediction and intelligent scheduling systems, greatly enhancing the flexibility and stability of the power grid. It is worth noting that the project will specifically serve the field of artificial intelligence, which may include high-performance computing facilities such as data centers. Ahmed Ali Al Shamsi, CEO of UAE Hydro, said, "Abu Dhabi and the UAE are global centers for AI research, innovation, and applications, and this project will ensure that the energy needs of this critical sector are sustainably met, providing momentum for the next generation of economic growth

Sultan Jabir, Chairman of Masdar, further pointed out that "this mega project is a crucial step in redefining the role of renewable energy in the information age

It is worth noting that this project highlights China's strength in supply chain and international cooperation. In January of this year, Masdar signed module supply agreements with Chinese photovoltaic companies JA Solar and JinkoSolar; The general contracting of the project is jointly undertaken by China Electric Power Construction and Larsen and Toubro of India; The battery energy storage system will be provided by global energy storage leader CATL. Keywords: New Energy Latest News, New Energy Latest Reports

The launch of this project further consolidates the leading position of the Middle East in the field of clean energy. According to the latest report by Wood Mackenzie, the Middle East and Africa have become the regions with the lowest levelized electricity costs for solar photovoltaics globally. As an important promoter of gigawatt level photovoltaic projects in the Middle East and North Africa region, Masdar also partnered with the French power group this month to win another 1.5 gigawatt photovoltaic project in Abu Dhabi, continuing to lead the regional energy transformation process.Editor/Cheng Liting