The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled the completion of the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, the two-gigawatt Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Project.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled the completion of the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, the two-gigawatt Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Project. This milestone precedes the upcoming UN climate change Conference of the Parties (COP28), set to be hosted in Dubai later this month.
Developed in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, French power company EDF Renewables, Chinese solar developer JinkoPower, and local clean energy company Masdar, the Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Project is located in the desert outside the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Covering an expansive 20 square kilometers (12.4 square miles), the solar farm is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
China National Machinery Industry Corporation, the project’s main engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, revealed that the solar farm has a capacity to power approximately 200,000 households. The initiative falls within Beijing’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with the UAE actively participating in this global collaboration.
The completion of the Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Project is a significant step towards Abu Dhabi’s environmental goals, with an expected annual reduction of 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions – equivalent to removing over half a million cars from the roads. This achievement also elevates the proportion of clean energy in the emirate’s overall consumption to more than 13%.
The solar farm has already demonstrated its effectiveness by producing 3.6 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity ahead of its official inauguration. The project’s success underscores the UAE’s position at the forefront of adopting innovative clean energy solutions.
“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 global efforts on climate action,” remarked Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, at the inauguration.
He further emphasized the UAE’s role in contributing to the global fight against climate change through the continuous development and adoption of innovative clean energy solutions. The completion of the Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Project aligns with the country’s vision to lead in sustainability and contribute to global climate action.
The significance of this achievement is heightened as it comes ahead of COP28, where world leaders and delegates will convene to address pressing climate issues. The UAE’s commitment to hosting COP28 reflects its dedication to fostering meaningful discussions and initiatives to combat climate change on the global stage.
The Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic Project stands as a shining example of how collaborative efforts, technological advancements, and a commitment to sustainability can propel nations toward a greener and more sustainable future. As the world looks toward COP28, the completion of this solar power plant serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for accelerating the transition to clean and renewable energy sources worldwide.