Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) announced that ?Noor Abu Dhabi?, the world?s largest single solar project with a capacity of 1,177MW, has started commercial operation
The project is set to enable Abu Dhabi to increase its production of renewable energy and reduce the use of natural gas in electricity generation, helping to make energy more sustainable and efficient and reducing the emirate?s carbon dioxide emissions by one mmt per year, the equivalent of removing 200,000 cars off the roads.
The US$870mn solar plant, located at Sweihan in Abu Dhabi, is a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi Power Corporation and a consortium of Japan?s Marubeni Corp and China?s Jinko Solar Holding. The plant features more than 3.2mn solar panels.
The achievement of commercial operation date (COD) means the plant is now completed and has started full commercial operation. To reach this milestone on time, more than 2,900 people were working on site during peak construction.
Mohammad Hassan Al Suwaidi, chairman of EWEC, said, ?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 to 50 per cent by 2050 while reducing the carbon footprint of power generation by 70 per cent. This is in line with the sector?s transformation strategy by providing alternative sources of energy that can help us improve the sustainability of the water and electricity sector.?
Othman Jumaa Al Ali, CEO of EWEC, added, ?Noor Abu Dhabi will further contribute to the UAE?s renewable sector, exponentially increasing the existing solar capacity of Abu Dhabi, as well as adding to the continuously growing solar capacity of the UAE.?
Yoshiaki Yokota, chief operating officer, power business division of Marubeni Corporation, commented, ?This project represents a significant milestone not only for the United Arab Emirates and the region but for the global solar industry and for the future of renewable energy.?
In line with the Year of Tolerance in the UAE, the project signifies the multi-cultural essence of the country and its ability to nurture top talent from around the world.
