Abu Dhabi plugs first solar plant into grid

Abu Dhabi has plugged its first solar energy plant into the national grid which aims to cut the UAE capital's carbon footprint dramatically.

Sheikh Diab bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) inaugurated Masdar’s new $50m power plant on Sunday, which will generate 10MW of clean electricity, the equivalent of taking 3,300 cars off the city’s roads each year.

The solar power plant will provide clean energy to the temporary Masdar site administration facilities, and power the ongoing construction activities of Masdar City.

In addition, the plant will supply all the energy needs of The Masdar Institute of Science Technology, a graduate-level scientific institution dedicated to renewable energy study, which opens in late 2009.

“Masdar’s 10MW solar power plant is a testament to our leadership’s dedication to the advancement of renewable energy. The connection of this plant marks an important milestone in the development of Masdar City and in our emirate’s history,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar.

“We believe this is just the first delivery of the rich potential of solar energy and we will continue to deliver clean sources of energy to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

The connection of the 10MW solar power plant to Abu Dhabi’s electrical grid was a joint effort by Masdar, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) and the Emirate’s regulatory body, the Regulation and Supervision Bureau.

“Bringing new, clean sources of energy to the people of Abu Dhabi is an exciting advancement for Abu Dhabi Distribution Company,” said Ahmed Al Mureikhi, managing director of Abu Dhabi Distribution Company.

“We know that the next generation of electricity distribution means better integration with renewable energy sources and we are proud to have taken that step with Masdar”

The 10MW plant, consisting of 87,777 panels is projected to generate 17,500 MWh of clean energy each year.

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