World's largest single-site solar power plant
The UAE inaugurated the world's largest single-site solar power plant, the 2-gigawatt (GW) Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Independent Power Project (IPP). The plant, located 35 kilometers from downtown Abu Dhabi, will generate enough electricity to power approximately 200,000 homes and is expected to displace 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
The project was inaugurated by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and stressed the importance of the plant as a symbol of progress in solar energy efficiency, innovation and cost competitiveness.
The project was developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and its partners Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), EDF Renewables and JinkoPower. It was purchased by the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). The plant uses approximately 4 million solar panels that deploy innovative bi-facial technology, ensuring that sunlight is captured on both sides of the panels to maximize yield.
Project Cost
The project broke records in terms of cost for utility-scale solar projects. Initially, the project led to the most competitive tariff for solar power being set at AED 4.97 fils/kWh (US$ 1.35 cents/kWh), which was reduced to AED 4.85 fils/kWh (US$ 1.32 cents/kWh) upon financial closure.
An important step in the UAE's transition to clean energy
The opening of Al Dhafra Solar PV marks an important step towards the UAE's clean energy transition. The country has set ambitious targets to triple renewable capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, with Al Dhafra serving as a model for global ambition in clean energy initiatives.
The project is in line with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 target, strengthening its leadership in solar energy production on a per capita basis. The project is also a testament to the UAE's commitment to hosting a successful COP28. The country will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference from November 30 to December 12 this year.