The record-breaking Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic (PV) represents EWEC’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s energy transition to deliver the next generation of solar power production. Located approximately 35 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city, Al Dhafra Solar PV will be the new world’s largest single-site solar power plant with a capacity of 1.5 gigawatts (AC), lifting Abu Dhabi’s solar power capacity to around 2.5 gigawatts (AC).
The plant will deploy approximately 4 million solar panels using the latest in crystalline, bifacial solar technology, which will enable the plant to provide more efficient electricity by capturing solar irradiation from both the front and backside of the panel. Upon full commercial operation, the plant is expected to reduce Abu Dhabi’s CO2 emissions by more than 2.4 million metric tonnes per year, equivalent to removing approximately 470,000 cars from the road.
Competitive bidding and financial closing of the project led to one of the most competitive tariffs for solar power, set at AED 4.85 fils/kWh (USD 1.32 cents/kWh). Seven international banks have agreed to finance the project, following the signing of the power purchase agreement with project partners in July 2020.
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) will own 40 per cent of the project, with Masdar, EDF Renewables and JinkoPower each holding 20 per cent.
