The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has embarked on a new era of sustainable energy with the commencement of operations at its first utility-scale wind project. This pioneering initiative is set to power approximately 23,000 homes while mitigating the emission of 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
With a combined capacity of 103.5 megawatts (MW), the UAE’s inaugural wind farms, spanning four locations, were officially inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
This groundbreaking project, designed to harness low wind speeds at utility scale, was realized through the efforts of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), a leading UAE-based energy producer.
The wind farms are strategically situated at four locations: Delma Island (27 MW capacity), Al Sila (27 MW), Sir Bani Yas Island (45 MW), and Fujairah’s Al Halah (4.5 MW).
This achievement signifies a significant milestone as it marks the UAE’s introduction of utility-scale wind power into its energy mix for the very first time. The UAE has historically relied on a diverse range of generation sources, including notable solar, nuclear, and waste-to-energy facilities, to meet its energy needs.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Today’s launch of the UAE’s first utility-scale wind program is the result of years of hard work and collaboration.”
Challenged by relatively low wind speeds in the region, the UAE has now successfully harnessed the potential of wind energy thanks to advancements in climate technology.
Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate, and Chairman of Masdar, highlighted the significance of the UAE Wind Program as a source of national pride and a testament to Masdar’s pioneering spirit in the realm of wind and renewable energy technologies.
This venture exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to a sustainable energy future, aligning with its goals for environmental stewardship and resource diversification.
