Media

Portugese Secretary of State for Energy Visits the World’s Largest Solar Project in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, 10 September 2019: His Excellency Joao Galamba, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Energy, visited “Noor Abu Dhabi” today, during a tour hosted by a delegation from the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), led by Othman Al Ali, EWEC’s Chief Executive Officer. The Secretary received an update on the 1,177 MW plant, the world’s largest single-site solar photovoltaic (PV) project, as well as a briefing on the larger upcoming 2,000 MW PV project to be located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, expected to commence operations in year 2022.

The Noor Abu Dhabi plant will offset the emirate’s CO₂ emissions by approximately 1 million metric tons, equivalent to removing 200,000 cars from the emirate’s roads. With 3.2 million solar panels installed across an 8 square kilometre site, Noor Abu Dhabi provides enough power to meet the demands of 90,000 residents.

During a walking tour, H.E. Joao Galamba witnessed the progress made and milestones achieved since the completion of the Noor Abu Dhabi plant and the start of its commercial operations in June, which collectively mark a significant accomplishment for EWEC.

During his visit to Noor Abu Dhabi, H.E. Joao Galamba hailed both EWEC’s and the country’s wider efforts to support energy sustainability, saying: “I am incredibly impressed to see the Noor Abu Dhabi Solar plant first-hand and the manner in which EWEC continues to deliver sustainable energy to the highest international standards of safety, quality and performance. This approach ensures the long-term sustainability of the UAE’s energy supplies.”

Othman Al Ali, EWEC CEO, said: “At Noor Abu Dhabi, we are delivering on our mission to provide clean, reliable and efficient solar energy to the UAE’s electricity grid. As our program continues to advance, this is a role we take on with great pride and responsibility, and as always, energy security and diversification remains our overriding priority.”

H.E. Joao Galamba’s visit to Noor Abu Dhabi took place against the backdrop of the 24^th World Energy Congress (WEC), of which EWEC is a Host Sponsor and key exhibitor, showcasing its contribution to energy production, including its extensive investment in alternative sources of energy.