The Al Ajban Solar PV project is a 1.5GW utility-scale renewable energy development in Abu Dhabi under the UAE’s broader clean energy expansion programme. It forms part of a structured procurement pipeline led by the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) and strategic partners in the renewable sector. Moreover, the project was designed to strengthen long-term energy security while increasing renewable penetration in the national grid. The development is widely recognised as one of Abu Dhabi’s largest single-site solar initiatives.

Al Ajban Solar PV project moves into full-scale construction phase

The Al Ajban Solar PV project has officially progressed into the construction stage following EPC award and financial close activities completed earlier in the development cycle. Furthermore, the engineering, procurement and construction contract was awarded to PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation, which is executing on-site works in collaboration with global partners. Construction activity began after EWEC confirmed the start of main works with initial panel installation at the site.

In addition, the project is being developed by a consortium led by Masdar alongside EDF Renewables and Korea Western Power Company. However, execution responsibilities remain strongly anchored on EPC delivery and grid integration coordination. The project continues to align with Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy of expanding utility-scale solar capacity.

Al Ajban Solar PV project 2026 status update shows steady execution progress

As of 2026, the Al Ajban Solar PV project is firmly under construction, with early installation works completed and full-scale module deployment underway. Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) confirmed that the project is progressing toward commercial operations expected around 2026, consistent with earlier development timelines. Moreover, the scheme remains one of the largest single-site solar plants under construction globally.

Additionally, the project continues to support Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy diversification targets by adding 1.5GW of clean power capacity. In contrast to earlier planning stages, the focus has now shifted from procurement to execution efficiency and grid readiness. Consequently, the project is expected to significantly enhance regional decarbonisation outcomes once fully operational.

The Al Ajban Solar PV project directly connects to the larger Abu Dhabi Solar project round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy scheme, which represents the next evolution of Abu Dhabi’s renewable strategy. While Al Ajban focuses on standalone utility-scale PV generation, the RTC project integrates solar with large-scale battery storage to deliver continuous baseload renewable power.

Furthermore, both projects share institutional leadership from EWEC and Masdar, demonstrating a coordinated pipeline approach to solar expansion. However, the RTC scheme significantly expands technical scope by introducing energy storage at gigawatt-hour scale, addressing intermittency challenges that conventional solar projects like Al Ajban do not fully resolve.

Read Also: EPC Contract for The Habshan Complex Project in Abu Dhabi Awarded

The Al Ajban Solar PV Project’s Generation Capacity 

Quite impressively, the project will potentially supply 60% of Abu Dhabi’s power demand. Moreover, the solar plant will generate electricity sufficient enough to power up to 160,000 households. It is also recognized as EWEC’s third world-leading solar PV development. As a result, the project will approximately raise EWEC’s total solar power capacity to 4 gigawatts AC (GWac). Additionally, it is reported to significantly contribute to increasing Abu Dhabi’s solar power generation capacity target. By 2030, the facility will potentially boost solar power generation to 7.3 GW. Additionally, by 2035, the project aims to meet total power demand goals, from clean and renewable energy sources.

As a whole. the Al Ajban Solar PV Project reflects Abu Dhabi’s position as an international leader, especially in addressing pressing climate change challenges. The Chief Executive Officer of EWEC noted that it strives to demonstrate accumulative expertise in the commissioning of emission-free developments. Othman Al Ali also said that it aims to secure reliable and sustainable power supply, across the region.

Project Fact Sheet

Project Name: Al Ajban Solar PV Independent Power Project

Location: Al Ajban, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Capacity: 1.5GW (AC)

Technology: Utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar

Developer Consortium: Masdar, EDF Renewables, Korea Western Power Company (KOWEPO)

Offtaker: EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company)

EPC Contractor: PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation

Project Structure: Independent Power Project (IPP)

Construction Status (2026): Under construction, early works completed

Commercial Operation Target: Around Q3 2026 (projected timeline)

Key Output: Power supply for ~160,000 homes (estimated)

Carbon Impact: Significant annual CO₂ reduction contribution aligned with UAE Net Zero 2050 goals

Strategic Role: Grid-scale renewable expansion under UAE Energy Strategy 2050

Project Team

Project Developer: Masdar

Power Offtaker / Utility Authority: Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC)

EPC Contractor: PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation

Co-Developers / Consortium Partners: EDF Renewables; Korea Western Power Company (KOWEPO)

Engineering Scope: Solar PV plant design, procurement, installation, and commissioning

Grid Integration Authority: Abu Dhabi transmission and dispatch infrastructure (EWEC-controlled system)

Project Type: Utility-scale renewable energy IPP

Strategic Alignment: UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and Net Zero by 2050 initiative