Abu Dhabi breaks ground on world’s largest solar plant

May 30, 2017
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The plant is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2019. Source: Flickr/Xiquinho Silva

Abu Dhabi has broken ground on what will be the world’s largest independent solar plant, the deputy chairman of the country’s Executive Council has said.

The 1,177MW plant, named Noor Abu Dhabi, will cost AED3.2 billion (US$871 million) and surpasses India’s 648MW in Tamil Nadu and the 550MW Desert Sunlgiht solar farm in California. Noor will reportedly be built in Suweihan, 120km south-east of the capital.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA), a consortium of Japan’s Marubeni Corp and ‘Silicon Module Super League’ (SMSL) member JinkoSolar will be jointly responsible for building and operating the plant. It is expected to be operational by Q2 2019.

ADWEA and the government of Abu Dhabi will own 60% of the plant, with the remaining 40% being held by Marubeni and JinkoSolar.

The mammoth project is part of the UAE’s bid to diversify its energy sources and work towards a low carbon economy. Under its ‘Clean Energy Strategy 2050’, the emirate plans to increase contribution of clean energy in the total energy output to 7% by 2020, 25% by 2030, and 75% by 2050.

The plant was launched in a ceremony last week, attended by the president His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

This story has been updated to correct a currency conversion.

Read Next

October 28, 2025
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) Australia has announced the development of a 210MWdc solar project in New Zealand's Rangitikei District.
October 27, 2025
Engie has signed additional PPAs with Meta, expanding their partnership to more than 1.3GW across four solar projects in Texas.
October 27, 2025
Waaree Energies has secured four solar module supply contracts totalling 692MW – three for projects in India and one in the US through its subsidiary.
October 27, 2025
Premier Energies has acquired a 51% stake each in transformer maker Transcon and inverter producer KSolare Energy. 
October 27, 2025
US solar technology company Swift Solar has deployed perovskite solar technology as part of a Department of Defence cyber warfare exercise in the state of Virginia.
October 27, 2025
Australian solar developer, BNRG Leeson, has submitted plans for a 440MW solar PV facility in Victoria's Campaspe Shire to Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 10, 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal