World’s largest single solar project now operational in Abu Dhabi

The mammoth 1.17 GW Noor Abu Dhabi solar park, believed to be the world’s largest single solar project, has entered commercial operation, according to its developers.

The Abu Dhabi Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) announced this week that it had completed the 1.17 GW (peak) Noor Abu Dhabi solar park on time and on budget, and that it is now supplying power for AED0.08888 per kWh (AU$0.035).

According to EWEC, Noor Abu Dhabi is not only “the world’s largest single solar project” but it is also the world’s cheapest solar power – and has been for a while, with the tender being awarded at that price in 2017.

The AED3.2 billion (AU$1.25 billion) uses JinkoSolar’s high-efficient mono solar panels and was jointly developed by EWEC, JinkoSolar, and Japan’s Marubeni Corporation.

“The completion of the project marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050, launched in 2017, to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix from 25% to 50% by 2050 while reducing the carbon footprint of power generation by 70%,” said Mohammad Hassan Al Suwaidi, Chairman of EWEC.

“This is in line with the sectors transformation strategy by providing alternative sources of energy that can help us improve the sustainability of the water and electricity sector.”

“Noor Abu Dhabi will generate renewable energy and will enable us to improve the use of our natural resources,” added Othman Jumaa Al Ali, EWEC’s CEO.

“The fact that a project of such scale has been successfully completed on time and on budget highlights our commitment to ensuring sustainable energy for the future and it is a true testament of the Emirate’s delivery capabilities to execute world-class energy projects.”

“It is our privilege to participate and contribute to the winning and successful execution of this prestige project that will help power the sustainable economic growth of Abu Dhabi,” concluded Kangping Chen, CEO of Jinko Solar.

“We are thankful to the government team that created a tender program of world class, for the high-level professionalism, as well as the strong support throughout the process. The project won’t be where it is without seamless collaboration among our partners and other stakeholders. We are grateful to such wonderful team-work.”