UAE reinforces role renewable energy exporter through international collaboration and groundbreaking technology
His Majesty the King of Spain Juan Carlos I and HH General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces today officially inaugurated the world’s first power plant capable of 24-hour, uninterrupted electricity generation from the sun in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Vice Chairman of the Executive Council and His Highness Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nayhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
HH General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Majesty the King of Spain Juan Carlos I toured different areas of the facility and received presentations from representatives of Masdar, Torresol Energy and SENER about the technological significance of the plant.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar said: “Today is an important milestone in the realization of the Abu Dhabi vision, laid out by our forward thinking leadership. The extraordinary vision of our President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, and the passion and dedication of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan has enabled Abu Dhabi to be build bridges with like-minded nations in the effort to address the world’s greatest current and future challenges, like energy security, climate change mitigation, developing clean technologies and sustainable human development. It is ultimately this vision that guided us to today’s inauguration of the most commercially and technologically significant solar plant in the world.”
“Our country is offering to contribute our strengths and expertise as an energy exporter. Through Masdar, we are working with international partners to develop and deploy the most recent scientific and technological innovations, increasing the role of renewable energy as part of a diversified energy mix alongside oil, gas and safe, secure nuclear. In this way, we will build on the UAE’s role by also becoming a global provider of future energy knowledge and expertise.”
Al Jaber added “UAE and Spain share a common interest in developing solar power. Abu Dhabi’s initiative to develop renewable energy and clean tech solutions complements and is underpinned by its existing strong position and strength in the hydrocarbon industry.”
“The benefits of this plant extend beyond technology development to economic and social development and we look forward to working with other nations on opportunities to benefit from this significant achievement.”
“Ultimately, this technology advances the potential of providing dispatchable solar energy at competitive prices to the grid.”
