Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy company Masdar has achieved financial close on what it describes as the world’s first utility-scale renewable energy project capable of delivering clean electricity around the clock, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s clean energy ambitions.
The project combines 5.2GW of solar generation with a massive 19GWh battery energy storage system (BESS), representing a total investment of US$6.1 billion. Financing includes US$5.1 billion raised through a consortium of 13 domestic and international banks, alongside US$1 billion in equity contributed by Masdar.
Designed to provide continuous renewable power, the hybrid facility will integrate large-scale solar generation with advanced battery storage to supply up to 1GW of baseload electricity on a 24/7 basis. Masdar has described the development as the largest and most advanced renewable energy and storage project of its kind globally.
For the battery storage component, Chinese technology providers BYD and Sungrow will supply 11.275GWh and 7.5GWh of storage capacity, respectively. The decision marks a change from the project’s earlier plans, which had named CATL as the sole battery supplier when the initiative was unveiled in January 2025.
Construction began in October 2025, with commercial operations expected to commence in 2027. The project is being developed in Abu Dhabi through a partnership between Masdar and the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC).
Although an official power purchase agreement has yet to be disclosed, company executives have indicated the project is expected to support the UAE’s expanding artificial intelligence ecosystem by providing reliable clean energy, reinforcing the country’s strategy to become a global hub for AI innovation while advancing renewable energy deployment.
