Masdar has inaugurated a 2GW single-site solar in Abu Dhabi ahead of the UAE hosting COP28.
The project has been developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), EDF Renewables and JinkoPower, together with procurer Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC).
Located 35 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city, the solar plant was built in a single phase and generates enough electricity to power almost 200,000 homes, displacing 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year.
Al Dhafra Solar PV spans more than 20 square kilometres of desert and created 4,500 jobs during the peak of the construction phase.
It uses almost 4 million solar panels which deploy innovative bi-facial technology, ensuring sunlight is captured on both sides of the panels to maximize yield.
Chairman of Masdar Sultan Al Jaber said: “Al Dhafra is part of a long and proud history of energy innovation, made possible thanks to the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
“This world-leading solar project demonstrates remarkable progress in solar power efficiency, innovation and cost competitiveness – setting a new record-low tariff.
“To create Al Dhafra, Masdar brought together three partners from around the world: TAQA, EDF of France and JinkoPower of China.
“With just days to go before the start of COP28, I will be asking the world to unite and deliver the energy transition by tripling renewables capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
“Al Dhafra is an example of the scale of the ambition needed around the world.”
TAQA owns 40% of the project, Masdar owns 20% while the remaining partners, EDF Renewables and Jinko Power, own a 20% stake each.
The plant will supply power to EWEC under a PPA and will raise Abu Dhabi’s solar power production capacity to 3.2GW.