Abu Dhabi Builds World's Largest Battery Storage Project – BYD to Supply 11.3 GWh for Record Project
Abu Dhabi — Abu Dhabi is moving forward with construction of what is currently the world's largest battery storage project. About a year after groundbreaking, BYD Energy Storage has received a first major order from Masdar for the supply of battery storage systems.
BYD to Supply More Than Half of Planned Storage Capacity
Under the order, BYD Energy Storage will supply battery storage systems with a capacity of 11.275 GWh. The systems will be deployed in a battery facility rated at 1,644 MW, meaning BYD will provide more than half of the total planned storage capacity of the record project.
The order covers the supply and integration of the Haohan energy storage system as well as commissioning support. According to BYD, the system uses its latest Blade Battery technology with 2,710 Ah cells. It is complemented by the GC Master EMS energy management system, which is designed to provide real-time monitoring, intelligent load distribution and predictive diagnostics for large battery installations.
Battery Systems Designed for Extreme Conditions in the Gulf Region
The battery storage systems are designed specifically for the climatic conditions of the Gulf region. According to BYD, the systems feature protection against dust and sandstorms and are rated for temperatures between -30 and 55 degrees Celsius.
The combination of large-scale solar power generation and battery storage is intended to enable a continuous supply of renewable energy. The storage systems allow surplus solar power generated during the day to be captured and released during evening and nighttime hours.
Battery Storage Enters New Scale: The 10 GWh League
With a storage capacity of 19 GWh, the Abu Dhabi project sets a new global benchmark. Just a few years ago, storage projects in the gigawatt-hour range were considered exceptional; today, projects of an entirely new scale are being developed worldwide. The current international leading group of large-scale storage projects with at least 10 GWh of capacity includes:
- Masdar/EWEC RTC project, Abu Dhabi (UAE): 19 GWh
- BYD grid storage project, Saudi Arabia: 12.5 GWh
- Green Energy Corridor Phase II, Ladakh (India): 12 GWh
- Oasis de Atacama, Chile: approximately 11 GWh
The development illustrates the rapid dynamics in the battery storage market. Falling battery costs, the rapid expansion of renewable energy and growing demand for flexible power systems are driving projects of a scale that was barely conceivable just a few years ago.
UAE Advances Solar Power, Storage and New Energy Systems
With the RTC project, the United Arab Emirates aims to make renewable energy available around the clock at gigawatt scale for the first time. The combination of solar power and battery storage is intended to reduce dependence on fossil fuel plants while increasing security of supply.
Masdar continues to expand its position in clean energy technologies internationally. The company aims to build a 100 GW portfolio of renewable energy and other clean-tech projects by 2030. As the UAE's state-owned renewable energy company, Masdar develops and operates solar, wind, storage, hydrogen and geothermal projects. Investments in nuclear energy and gas-fired power plants in the UAE are made by other state entities as part of a broader, technology-open energy mix.
The Abu Dhabi project is regarded as a strategic initiative for the UAE to leverage its own solar resources while developing a model for other regions with a high share of renewable energy.
Source: IWR Online, 21 Jul 2026
