Abu Dhabi to build world’s largest solar power plant

Solar PV project is expected to reduce Abu Dhabi’s CO2 emissions by more than 2.4 million metric tonnes per year

The Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. (TAQA) announced that it has successfully secured funding to build the world’s largest solar power plant, located approximately 35 kilometers from Abu Dhabi city.

The 2GW Al Dhafra Solar PV project will be the first to achieve a world record-low tariff for solar power of $US0.0135/kWh, or roughly $A0.02/kWh.

With a capacity of 2 gigawatts (GW), the project will be able to supply power to the Emirates Water and Electricity Co. (EWEC), reports Arab News.

The Al-Dhafra Solar PV IPP project is scheduled to be the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, using approximately 4 million solar panels to generate enough electricity for approximately 160,000 homes across the UAE.

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“We are delighted to work with our partners and sign a PPA with a record-low tariff for solar power,” said Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, speaking in July.

“We are working to secure long-term energy supply and reinforce solar power’s integral role in meeting current and future energy needs.

“Combined with key technological advances, the Al Dhafra Solar PV project will have a significant impact on diversifying the approach to our current electricity supply and drive our strategic plan to further contribute towards the sector’s transformation in water and electricity production, as we develop a low-carbon grid in the UAE.”

The project will be financed by seven international and will begin its operations in 2022. TAQA will own 40% of the project, while Masdar, EDF Renewables, and JinkoPower will each own a 20% stake.

Further, the project is also expected to reduce Abu Dhabi’s CO2 emissions by more than 2.4 million metric tonnes per year, which is equal to removing approximately 470,000 cars from the road.

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“The financial closing of the world’s largest solar plant marks the beginning of an important chapter for this IPP project, for TAQA Group and for the UAE as we continue to deliver on our bold clean energy ambitions while demonstrating the commercial and operational viability of utility-scale single-site solar projects,” said Jasim Husain Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director at TAQA.

“Through this project and many others – such as TAQA’s Noor Abu Dhabi, currently the world’s largest operational solar power plant – we have established the company as a trusted integrated utilities partner that is leading the sector’s transformation in the UAE and beyond.

“We have an expanded portfolio of power and water assets that we will grow further through a disciplined approach, adding value for our shareholders and delivering a diverse supply of energy for our stakeholders and the communities in which we operate.”