meed-logo

line1 line2 line3
SIGN IN / REGISTER

Masdar meets renewable’s moonshot challenge

31 January 2025

 

Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) is off to a great start this year by taking on a project that addresses what UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Al-Jaber describes as the “moonshot challenge of our time”, the intermittency of renewables.

Masdar, along with state utility Emirates Water & Electricity Company (Ewec), announced the project on 14 January. The $6bn project comprises 5,200MW solar and 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) battery energy storage system (bess) plants.  

It is designed to deliver up to 1,000MW of uninterrupted “baseload” power from a renewable source, a first in the world in terms of its scale.

“The country leadership’s will to deploy cutting-edge technology despite perceived risks, the growing experience of Masdar in developing battery energy storage projects globally, along with the decline in battery prices helped expedite the project,” Abdulaziz Alobaidli, chief operating officer of Masdar, tells MEED. “It’s a major achievement, over 15 years since the first single-site 10MW project was procured in Abu Dhabi.”

It has a lot to do with our culture to never say no to the impossible 

Alobaidli was referring to Masdar’s first 10MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant located on the north side of Masdar City, which was connected to the Abu Dhabi electricity grid in April 2009.

The executive says the 5.2GW/19GWh project was fast-tracked thanks to the broader collaboration of the key relevant stakeholders who facilitated the overall permitting proceedings.

He also stressed that they have obtained the necessary experience by developing renewable energy projects in developed and developing countries over the past decade and a half, with their current portfolio sitting at around 32GW.

“It has a lot to do with our culture to never say no to the impossible,” explains Alobaidli.

“We solved a two-decade problem by jointly evaluating the technical and commercial feasibility of the project, doubling down on our global development experience, and the strategic relationship we have built with key solar and bess suppliers … it helped that the battery technology has reached a desired level of cost competitiveness along with improved efficiency.

“The collaborative spirit of our client, Ewec, has facilitated the development of the project and gave us confidence that we can bring it to the finish line.”

Fast-track project

Masdar announced the selection of contractors and sub-contractors for the project a few days after its launch.

It selected India’s Larsen & Toubro and Beijing-headquartered PowerChina to undertake the project’s engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract.

Masdar also picked Shanghai-based Jinko Solar and Beijing-headquartered JA Solar to supply solar PV modules. They will supply solar PV modules amounting to 2.6GW each, with maximum efficiency and production for 30 years.

Another Chinese firm, Fujian-based Contemporary Amperex Technology Company Limited (CATL), will supply its Tener product line for the bess plant.

The project will be structured as a classic public-private partnership (PPP), funded by equity and syndicated debt.

It is being deployed on a fast-track basis, with financial close expected by the second quarter of 2025 and commercial operations set for 2027.

Alobaidli says they are in the process of deployment and starting the mobilisation of contractors, following months of technology assessments and technical workshops.

He also says Masdar is open to considering co-investors or codevelopers in the project “if they will complement” its capability to deliver the project.  

Masdar has also engaged several banks and lenders, which have been conducting due diligence on the project, particularly on the selected battery technology.

The executive, who previously served as general manager of Masdar subsidiary, Shams Power Company, says declining battery prices provide significant opportunities for their adoption at larger scale and long-hours applications.

“This is significant for the industry, and we see demand and supply growing, including the number of suppliers in the market. Security of supply and more competitive battery price is key.”

AI connection

MEED first reported on the planned round-the-clock renewable project in October last year. At the time, sources indicated that the project was envisaged to support the state’s artificial intelligence (AI) strategy.

This was confirmed by a social media post on 14 January, when UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said the project would help power advancements in AI and emerging technologies in addition to being a significant step on the UAE’s journey towards net zero.

Alobaidli says the project, which will be the first of many, “will definitely unlock opportunities for AI and other industries, which require base and round-the-clock load”.

Global expansion

While the 5GW/19GWh project is the largest single project by far to be deployed by Masdar, the experiences it gained by growing organically and through mergers and acquisitions, especially over the past decade, should help ensure it delivers the project within time and budget.

The project’s execution is also unlikely to hamper Masdar’s ongoing global expansion, given its goal to expand its renewable energy portfolio to 100GW by 2030.

Masdar has been expanding its global footprint as well as the type of assets it deploys or acquires, which range from onshore and offshore solar, onshore and offshore wind and, now, battery energy storage plants.

It has been bidding for new projects close to home, such as in Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well as in developing countries or acquiring stakes in projects across nearly every region of the world, from the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia in Southeast Asia, to Africa, more mature markets in Europe such as Greece and Spain, and the Americas.

“We are not just running after capacity. We look at profitability and the impact of these acquisitions on our earnings and P&L,” explains Alobaidli. “More importantly, we focus on the impact of these projects on the local communities.”

Alobaidli stresses that Masdar is focusing on prudent risk-reward factors as it expands its operations to avoid overexposure and ensure every deal is robust and backed by objective risk analysis.

“We are backed by three very strong institutions,” he points out, referring to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) and sovereign wealth fund Mubadala. “So every investment opportunity is thoroughly assessed to ensure it meets our growth objectives and stakeholders’ expectations.”

READ MEED’s YEARBOOK 2025

MEED’s 16th highly prized flagship Yearbook publication is available to read, offering subscribers analysis on the outlook for the Mena region’s major markets.

Published on 31 December 2024 and distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the MEED Yearbook 2025 includes:

> GIGAPROJECTS INDEX: Gigaproject spending finds a level
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/13347001/main.jpg
Jennifer Aguinaldo

Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.

Click here to register
Exclusive from Meed
Related Articles
  • Saudi Arabia raises electricity tariffs

    26 October 2026

    Saudi Energy, formerly Saudi Electricity Company, has announced revised electricity tariffs, which will take effect on 1 January 2027. 

    The revised tariff schedule, published on the company’s official website, covers residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, charitable and government customers.

    The largest percentage increase in consumption rates is 16.7%, for residential customers using up to 6,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) a month. Residential customers will pay 21 halalas/kWh for monthly consumption of up to 6,000kWh, up from 18 halalas. For consumption above 6,000kWh, the rate will rise from 30 to 33 halalas/kWh, a 10% increase.

    The industrial tariff will increase by 15%, from 20 to 23 halalas/kWh. Commercial customers, private healthcare facilities and private educational facilities will pay 25 halalas/kWh, up from 22 halalas, for consumption up to 6,000kWh a month, and 35 halalas/kWh above that level, up from 32 halalas.

    Tariffs for charities and government customers will also increase. In addition to consumption-based charges, customers will pay a fixed monthly fee based on the capacity of their electricity meter. This replaces the previous separate charge for meter reading, maintenance and billing, with VAT applied to the revised tariffs. 

    Electricity investment

    The new tariffs coincide with changes to water consumption tariffs announced by the National Water Company, also effective from 1 January 2027.

    King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud directed support measures following a proposal presented by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

    This includes raising the minimum wage required for Saudi nationals to count as full employees towards private sector localisation quotas under the Nitaqat programme. 

    The tariff changes come as Saudi Arabia plans substantial investment in its electricity infrastructure. In September 2025, Saudi Energy announced plans to invest SR220bn ($58.7bn) in power infrastructure projects between 2025 and 2030.

    A June 2025 report by Fitch Ratings forecast negative free cash flow of about SR16bn a year over the period and rising leverage, reflecting the financial demands of the programme.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20924301/main.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
  • Dubai Municipality confirms AED3bn Tasreef drainage awards

    26 October 2026

    Dubai Municipality has confirmed it has awarded four contracts worth AED3bn ($817m) to expand the emirate’s stormwater drainage network by about 100 square kilometres under phase three of the Tasreef programme.

    The projects will cover Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al-Quoz, Al-Barsha, Al-Wasl and Al-Marmoom. The works include constructing and extending main stormwater drainage lines with diameters of up to three metres.

    The four packages are part of Dubai’s AED30bn Tasreef programme, which aims to increase the emirate’s stormwater drainage capacity by 700% and reduce costs associated with pumping stations, network operations and maintenance by 20%.

    The contracts have been awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) and three local firms: Arifco Group, Nael Construction & Contracting (NCC) and Detech Contracting. Dubai Municipality did not state which projects the awards relate to.

    According to sources, the contract awards include packages TF-15-C1, TF-15-C2 and TF-13-C1.

    The first package, TF-15-C1, involves the construction of 21 kilometres of main and secondary drainage lines along Al-Wasl Road and in surrounding areas. It will cover Za’abeel 2, Al-Wasl, Jumeirah 1 and 2, Al-Bada’a, Al-Satwa and Dubai World Trade Centre. The estimated $100m contract was awarded to Detech in July, as exclusively reported by MEED.

    The second package, TF-15-C2, covers the corridor between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al-Khail Road. It includes about 14km of main drainage lines serving Al-Quoz Industrial Areas 1, 3 and 4, and Al-Barsha 1. In July, MEED reported that CSCEC had won the engineering, procurement and construction contract for this project.

    The third package, TF-13-C1, covers Al-Marmoom, where 23km of drainage infrastructure will be developed. According to a source, Arifco has been awarded this contract.

    The final package covers Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim, where about 42km of main drainage lines will serve Umm Suqeim 1, 2 and 3; Umm Al-Sheif; Jumeirah 3; Al-Safa 1 and 2; and Al-Manara.

    In May, MEED reported that NCC had been awarded a contract to build a sewage and stormwater drainage system, DS-204. However, it is unconfirmed whether this relates to the same project.

    Earlier, in February, the municipality confirmed it had awarded contracts for five new projects under phase two of the programme to expand and strengthen Dubai’s stormwater drainage network.

    These included two contracts awarded to Detech and one to CSCEC for stormwater drainage infrastructure. In addition, two consultancy contracts were awarded for the study and design of drainage systems in selected areas across the emirate.

    Cumulatively valued at AED2.5bn, the new projects will serve 30 vital areas, spanning approximately 430 million square metres and supporting an estimated population of three million residents by 2040.

    Previously, in April 2025, an earlier package of awards was announced under phase one of the Tasreef programme. The overall masterplan aims to expand Dubai’s rainwater drainage capacity by 700% by 2033.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20923924/main4827.jpg
    Mark Dowdall
  • Nakheel awards $259m Dubai Islands buildings contract

    26 October 2026

    Dubai-based master developer Nakheel, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded local firm Parkway International Contracting a construction contract valued at about AED950m ($259m) for phases two and four of Bay Grove Residences on Dubai Islands.

    The package covers 617 residential units across eight buildings, ranging from one to four bedrooms, together with basement structures, infrastructure and community amenities including swimming pools, sports courts and fitness centres.

    Phase two comprises 360 homes across four buildings, with main construction scheduled for completion in late 2028.

    Phase four includes 257 homes across four buildings, with completion targeted for the second quarter of 2029.

    The award follows an earlier contract valued at about AED800m ($218m) awarded to local contractor Metac General Contracting Company for phases one and three, covering 537 homes across seven buildings.

    Together, the two contracts total more than AED1.75bn ($476m) and account for all 1,154 planned homes across the 15 buildings of Bay Grove Residences.

    Project activity on Dubai Islands has gathered pace in recent months. Earlier this month, Nakheel awarded local firm Mar Marine & Building Contracting a contract for marine and coastal works on Island B. The scope includes constructing breakwaters, removing existing rock revetments and creating a new 320-metre beach near the Bay Villas development, as well as remedial and refurbishment works along approximately 3 kilometres of the island’s western shoreline.

    In August 2025, Nakheel awarded Fibrex Contracting a AED2.6bn ($708m) construction contract for the Bay Villas residential project. That followed a AED527m ($143m) contract awarded to Al-Nasr Contracting Company in April 2026 for primary infrastructure and utilities on Island B.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20923389/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Morocco plans second high-speed rail phase to Agadir

    26 October 2026

    Morocco has outlined a second rail investment cycle for 2030-35, which includes beginning construction of a high-speed rail extension from Marrakech to Agadir and connecting Essaouira to the national rail network.

    The pipeline forms part of the government’s 2026-31 programme, presented to parliament last week.

    The Marrakech-Agadir link is estimated to cost close to MD55bn ($5.5bn) and will cover a 240-kilometre (km) route through the High Atlas Mountains via Chichaoua. Civil engineering structures, including tunnels and viaducts, are expected to account for nearly 70% of the alignment.

    In September, the government issued a decree declaring the Marrakech-Agadir and Chichaoua-Essaouira rail corridors to be of public utility, paving the way for land acquisition and expropriation procedures.

    Under the long-term masterplan Plan Rail Maroc 2040, Essaouira is expected to connect to the network via a separate line branching off at Chichaoua, designed for operating speeds of up to 200km an hour. The mainline to Agadir is designed for speeds of up to 320km/h.

    The 2030-35 cycle also includes rehabilitating the Casablanca-Khouribga-Oued Zem line; constructing a new line between Oued Zem and Beni Mellal via Bejaad, with a branch to Fquih Ben Salah; doubling and upgrading the 140km Benguerir-Safi line; expanding capacity on the Fez-Oujda corridor; and building new-generation passenger stations.

    The plans follow Morocco’s ongoing MD134bn ($13.4bn) 2024-30 rail investment programme, which focuses on completing the Kenitra-Marrakech high-speed line ahead of the 2030 Fifa World Cup.

    The programme also includes developing regional express network services across five regions, electrifying the Fez-Oujda line and completing a freight rail link to the Nador West Med port.

    Work on the Kenitra-Marrakech line had reached about 30% by May 2026, with commercial services targeted to begin in September 2029.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20920349/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Riyadh tenders King Salman Stadium works

    26 October 2026

     

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    Saudi Arabia’s Sports Ministry has tendered a contract covering early works at King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh.

    The scope includes enabling works, site preparation and initial construction activities.

    The tender was issued on 11 October, with a submission deadline of 19 November.

    The stadium will cover about 660,000 square metres (sq m) and seat 92,000. Facilities will include a 150-seat royal suite, 120 hospitality suites, 300 VIP seats and 2,200 dignitary seats.

    The wider development will include sports facilities covering more than 360,000 sq m, including two training fields and fan zones; a closed sports hall; an Olympic-sized swimming pool; an athletics track; and outdoor courts for volleyball, basketball and padel.

    The stadium is set to host the final of the 2034 Fifa World Cup and will serve as the Saudi national football team’s main base.

    US-based architectural firm Populous is the lead architect for the stadium.

    Construction of the stadium is expected to be completed by 2029.

    The stadium will be located next to King Abdulaziz Park.

    Firms submitted prequalification statements for the main design-and-build contract in February.

    Saudi stadium plans

    In August 2024, MEED reported that Saudi Arabia planned to build 11 new stadiums and refurbish four facilities for the 2034 Fifa World Cup. 

    Eight stadiums will be located in Riyadh, four in Jeddah and one each in Al-Khobar, Abha and Neom.

    A further 10 cities will host training bases: Al-Baha, Jazan, Taif, Medina, Alula, Umluj, Tabuk, Hail, Al-Ahsa and Buraidah.

    There are expected to be 134 training sites in the kingdom, including 61 existing facilities and 73 new venues.

    Saudi Arabia was officially selected to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup during an online convention of Fifa member associations at the Fifa Congress on 11 December 2024.

    READ THE OCTOBER 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF

    Industry and logistics drive development at Neom; Saudi Arabia’s investment priorities realign amid conflict; MEED’s 2026 power developer ranking.

    Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the October 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
    To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/20919233/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal