Abu Dhabi has inaugurated one of the world’s largest solar projects ahead of the COP28 climate conference, which will be hosted by the UAE.
The two-gigawatt Al Dhafra plant could reduce the city’s carbon dioxide emissions by over 2.4 million tonnes a year – equivalent to removing about 470,000 cars from the road.
The plant utilises about four million solar panels with bi-facial technology that captures sunlight on both sides for maximum yield, officials said.
The project will raise Abu Dhabi’s solar power production capacity to 3.2 gigawatts.
“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 the global efforts on climate action,” said Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi.
“We are witnessing, day after day, project after project, that the UAE is at the global forefront of developing and adopting innovative clean energy solutions.”
The site is 35km from Abu Dhabi city and it was built in a single phase. It spans over 20km2 of desert – an area about one-fifth the size of Paris.
The project has been developed by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, better known as Taqa, in partnership with clean energy company Masdar, France’s EDF Renewables and China’s Jinko Power.
The plant will contribute to the UAE’s goal of reaching net zero in domestic carbon emissions by 2050. The country plans to invest $54bn to achieve this goal.
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