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Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) is in talks with a list of utility developers, investors and contractors interested in codeveloping and coinvesting in the planned solar and battery energy storage system (bess) project in Abu Dhabi.

The planned 5,200MW solar photovoltaic (PV) and 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) bess plants will enable a 1,000MW round-the-clock solar plant providing baseload capacity, a first in the world. 

According to industry sources, Masdar has shortlisted potential partners, including some of the most recognised utility developers and investors, such as China’s Silk Road Fund, and could finalise the deal or deals over the coming weeks.

The project will help power advancements in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, supporting the delivery of the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan announced on 14 January.

MEED first reported on the planned project in October, when Masdar started approaching potential codevelopers and investors.

Sultan Bin Ahmed Al-Jaber, the UAE minister of industry and advanced technology and chairman of Masdar, announced the project on 14 January, the opening day of the ongoing Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

It is understood state utility Emirates Water & Electricity Company (Ewec) and Masdar will implement the project.

Abu Dhabi currently has close to 2,500MW of solar installed capacity. Its third utility-scale solar independent power project (IPP), the 1,500MW Al-Ajban solar PV, is under construction. The bid evaluation process is under way for the 1,500MW Al-Khazna solar PV and bids are due imminently for the emirate’s first bess IPP, which has a capacity of 400MW.