Project at a Glance

Project Overview

The AI Dhafra Solar PV Plant, also known as the Photovoltaic Independent Power Project (IPP), is located in Abu Dhabi. It has a capacity of 2 gigawatts (2,100 MW).

Its construction started in 2020 and was commissioned in June 2023. Later, it was inaugurated by the Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi in November 2023. It has being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The solar plants will reduce approximately 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year. It is equivalent to removing 470,000 cars from the road. It is capable of powering around 200,000 homes in the United Arab Emirates. 

The project is owned by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA, 40%), Masdar (20%), EDF Renewables (20%), and Jinko Power (20%). This solar power project aligns with the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the total energy mix from 25% to 50% by 2050. 

Project Background

The AI Dhafra Photovoltaic project was operational and inaugurated in November 2023 by the Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed AI Nahyan.

The solar plant has used more than 4 million Jinko Solar’s solar PV modules, one of the top solar PV module manufacturers. These modules are based on the crystalline, bifacial module technology. These solar modules have the tendency to capture sunlight from both sides for better yield.

The project has a low solar PV energy tariff of AED 4.97 fils per kWh (nearly 1.35 cents per kWh) based on a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) basis. Furthermore, it includes other infrastructure, such as inverters, connections to the transmission network, and related facilities.

Project Scope

The Abu Dhabi AI Dhafra Solar PV plant includes the following scope.

• Bifacial crystalline solar panels: The solar project uses more than four million bifacial crystalline solar panels on the single-site axis trackers. These advanced solar panels can capture sunlight from both sides to enhance energy yields. 

• Energy Capacity: The project has a capacity of 2 gigawatts (2,100 MW) and will power upto 200,000 homes in the UAE. 

• Environmental safety: The project was completed without harming the environment, as it includes reducing carbon emissions by 2.4 million tonnes yearly. 

• Employment generation: The project generates around 4,500 jobs in its construction phase.

• Solar Energy Tariffs: The project has the world’s lowest solar energy tariffs at a financial close of AED 4.97 fils per kWh (nearly 1.35 cents per kWh) based on a levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) basis. 

AI Dhafra Project Location

AI Dhafra Photovoltaic Independent Power Project (IPP) is approximately 35 km south 

of Abu Dhabi. It will be constructed in an area of 20 square km and will power over 200,000 households in the UAE. 

AI Dhafra Project Cost  

The total estimated cost for the AI Dhafra solar project was approximately USD 1 billion. Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) obtained this project, and it is being developed by EDF Renouvelables, Jinko Power (HK), Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), and Masdar in partnership.

Inauguration of the AI Dhafra PV2 solar power plant

Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, inaugurated the 2 gigawatt (GW) AI Dhafra Solar PV project on November 17, 2023. The plant symbolizes progress in solar power efficiency, innovation, and cost competitiveness. 

Project Timeline

UAE commits to Clean Energy

Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Chairman of Masdar, stressed the relevance of AI Dhafra to the UAE's commitment to renewable energy. 

The project has broken records for the cost of utility-scale solar projects. At first, the project resulted in the most competitive tariffs for solar power, set at AED 4.97 fils per kWh (approximately 1.35 cents per kWh). At financial close, this improved to AED 4.85 fils per kWh (approximately 1.32 cents per kWh).

AI Dhafra - A key step in the UAE’s commitment to Clean Energy

The inauguration of the AI Dhafra solar plant is a pivotal step in the UAE’s move to clean energy. It aims to triple the renewables capacity and double its energy productivity by 2030. AI Dhafra acts as a model for global ambition in clean energy initiatives. 

Alliance with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Goals

The AI Dhafra PV2 solar power plant aligns with the Net Zero 2050 Goals, strengthening its leadership in solar energy production on a per capita basis. It is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to hosting a successful COP28. The country hosted the United Nations Climate Change Conference from November 30 to December 12, 2023.

AI Dhafra Investors

AI Dhafra Contractors

Latest News of the project

AI Dhafra OCGT Project

A joint venture between Samsung C&T and the local Trojan has won the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the construction of the Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) power plant in Abu Dhabi’s AI Dhafra. The project will have a capacity of 1,000 MW. 

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) owns this project and manages its operation and maintenance. The build, own, and operate contract requires an investment of approximately USD 1.35 billion. 

Taqa signed a 24-year power-purchase agreement with the state utility and offtaker Emirates Water & Electricity Company (EWEC) for the project on April 3, 2025. 

In January 2025, EWEC and Masdar announced plans to build a solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) project to enable the round-the-clock supply of 1GW solar power. It involves a 5 GW solar PV plant and a 19 gigawatt-hour BESS plant. 

Benefits

The AI Dhafra PV2 solar plant in Abu Dhabi is the project that benefits the country's environmental sector the most. It will reduce carbon emissions by 2.4 million tonnes per year. It is equivalent to removing 470,000 cars from the roads. Further, it includes the following benefits.

• Contribution to the climatic goals: As the project leads to reducing carbon emissions, it supports the UAE’s commitment to clean energy and the Net Zero 2050 Goals. 

• Leader in Renewable Energy Sources: Being the largest single-site solar power plant, AI Dhafra places the UAE as the global leader in renewable energy enterprise. 

• Breakthrough Installation Rate: During the project’s construction, it achieved a remarkable installation rate, with nearly 10 MW of solar panels installed daily. 

Conclusion

The AI Dhafra Solar PV Project has proved to be a gigantic milestone in the United Arab Emirates. It played a crucial role in the UAE’s commitment to Clean energy. It leads to a nation's commitment to reduce carbon emissions and expand its energy portfolio. The project's success highlights the survival of large-scale power generation in desert climates and serves as a model for renewable energy enterprises worldwide. 

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FAQ’s

What is the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Goal? How does the AI Dhafra solar support it?

The Net Zero 2050 Goals have been a motive to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. For this purpose, the UAE will remove the discharge of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The AI Dhafra plays a prominent role by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting clean energy sources.

What is a Power Purchase Agreement?

The AI Dhafra PV2 solar power plant signed a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) in July 2020. The PPA was signed at a record-low tariff of AED 0.0497 per kWh.