The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched the Al Dhafra solar farm – the world’s largest single-site solar plant ahead of the COP28 climate conference.
The UAE’s state-owned renewable energy company Masdar, also called the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, has collaborated with its partners Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), French entity EDF Renewables, and China’s JinkoPower to inaugurate the world’s largest single-site solar power plant – the 2GW Al Dhafra Solar PV project, stretching across over 20 sq km in the Abu Dhabi desert.
TAQA owns 40% of the project, and Masdar, EDF Renewables, and Jinko Power each own 20%.
Solar power plant will power almost 200,000 homes
With the launch of Al Dhafra solar plant, 22 miles from Abu Dhabi, the Emirate’s solar power production capacity has increased to 3.2 GW and is expected to power nearly 200,000 homes.
The 2GW Al Dhafra Solar PV project was inaugurated by Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the presence of UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Lt. General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“We are witnessing, day after day, project after project, that the UAE is at the global forefront of developing and adopting innovative clean energy solutions. We are achieving energy security, while also contributing to building a bright future for future generations to come,” Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said.
Mega project launched ahead of COP28
“As the UAE prepares to host COP28, this pioneering project reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to raising its share of clean energy, reducing its carbon emissions and supporting the global efforts on climate action,” Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan added.
The Al Dhafra Solar Power Plant’s inauguration comes just days before the start of COP28, commencing on November 30. The conference, scheduled to be held at Expo City Dubai from November 29 to December 12, 2023, is part of the annual UN climate change conferences centered on implementing the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Heads of state and other senior officials of around 200 countries are expected to attend the summit.
Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and state-run oil company ADNOC’s CEO and Masdar chairman, has been named as the COP28 president and UAE climate envoy. The UAE, along with the United States and the European Union, are leading efforts to secure a global agreement to triple renewable energy adoption over the next decade at the COP28.
“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,” Dr Sultan Al Jaber said. “Al Dhafra is an example of the scale of the ambition needed around the world.”
Al Dhafra Solar PV Plant — Quick Facts
- 2GW capacity
- Powering approximately 200,000 homes
- It will be the largest single-site solar power plant in the world upon completion
- Displacing 2.4 million tons of carbon dioxide
- Deploys the latest in crystalline, bifacial solar technology
- The project achieved one of the most competitive tariffs for solar power in the world at USD 1.32 cents/kWh
- During development, a record-breaking 10MW of solar panels were installed on average per day
UAE’s renewable energy plans
The UAE is aiming to triple its renewable energy capacity to 14 GW by 2030 and achieve its net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 targets an energy mix of 44% clean energy, 38% gas, 12% “clean coal” and 6% nuclear. In September, EWEC sought proposals for the development of a 1.5 GW solar farm in Al Khazna near Abu Dhabi. However, critics are questioning how the country would attain carbon neutrality while heavily relying on fossil fuels.