Once completed, the Al Ajban solar PV plant is expected to produce enough clean energy to power around 160,000 households annually. It is also projected to reduce Abu Dhabi’s carbon dioxide emissions by more than 2.4 million tonnes each year.
The project is anticipated to become one of the largest single-site solar plants globally. It is also integral to the UAE’s clean energy transition, supporting the country’s ambition to achieve zero-emission power and drive green development in the region.
PowerChina signed the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract for the Al Ajban project in July 2024 with project companies EDF Renewables and Korea Western Power (KOWEPO).
The contract includes the design, construction, procurement, installation, and operation of the PV plant, including a 400kV booster station.
Located approximately 88km northeast of downtown Abu Dhabi, near the Dubai border, the Al Ajban solar PV project is a major initiative under the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
In September 2024, the project consortium, led by EDF Renewables and KOWEPO, with a 20% stake each, and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) holding a 60% local stake achieved the financial close of the solar PV project.
The funding was secured from institutions including Credit Agricole CIB, Standard Chartered Bank, BNP Paribas, HSBC Middle East, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), and the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM).
The consortium also signed a 30-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), committing to designing, financing, building, and operating the plant.
The Al Ajban solar PV project was launched by EWEC. It is expected to become fully operational by Q3 2026, featuring nearly three million bifacial solar panels mounted on single-axis trackers.
