Critics of renewable energy love to point out that the “wind doesn’t always blow and the sun doesn’t always shine”.
After decades of research by scientists confirming this observation, Abu Dhabi has the solution. Its giant solar and battery combination will provide electricity day and night, summer and winter.
The project was announced at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week last week, by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. Located at Al Azeezah south of Abu Dhabi city, Masdar and Emirates Water and Electricity Company will together develop the project, costing $6 billion. It combines 5.2 gigawatts of solar power with 19 gigawatt-hours of battery storage. It should be able to output a steady 1 gigawatt, which it could keep up for 19 hours in conditions of zero Sun.
Solar photovoltaic power in the Middle East has achieved startlingly low costs. Ewec’s Al Dhafra project was awarded in April 2020 at 4.97 fils (1.35 US cents) per kilowatt-hour, at the time the lowest in the world. This was the cheapest electricity generation from any source globally. In contrast, the US’s target was to reach 3 US cents per kilowatt-hour by 2030.
But even in the sunny Gulf, solar power achieves a capacity factor of only about 20-25 per cent – that is, the ratio of a plant’s average output over a year to its stated maximum. Generation is zero at night, lower in the shorter days and in winter, falls when ambient temperatures are high, and is reduced at times by clouds, haze, dust and sandstorms.
A back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests that the system at Al Azeezah could deliver reliable baseload power at about 6 US cents per kilowatt-hour over a 20-year operating life. That is already cheaper than nuclear power, another large-scale, low-carbon option for baseload. And costs will fall further as solar, and in particular batteries, enjoy further declines in purchase prices.
It is also cheaper than conventional generation with natural gas, except in areas with very low gas prices. And the long-term use of natural gas is not possible within the UAE’s net-zero carbon target, unless teamed with carbon capture and storage, which would raise its cost.
The solar-plus-storage combo compares favourably with the 7.3 cents per kilowatt-hour that the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) achieved for its concentrating solar plant in 2017. That plant uses molten salts to store heat so it can also provide night-time electricity, for up to 15 hours.
Solar with storage in the Gulf has the advantage of matching well to demand patterns. Air-conditioning accounts for up to 70 per cent of the UAE’s electricity use during summer. With enough storage to get through the night, solar can cover much of national demand. This is in contrast to other heavy users of solar power in northern Europe, such as the Netherlands and Germany, where peak electricity demand for heating comes during the short daylight hours of winter.
Another option for long-term energy storage is pumped hydropower, where water is sent to a higher reservoir behind a dam when electricity is in surplus, then allowed to flow to lower levels through a turbine at times of deficit.
Dewa’s pumped hydroelectric centre at Hatta, with 250 megawatts of capacity and six hours of storage, is expected to be completed by the end of the first half of this year.
At its recent energy summit, Ras Al Khaimah also revealed plans for a massive, 5 gigawatt pumped hydroelectric plant with up to 12 hours of storage in its mountains.
Finally, other renewable options such as wind, geothermal and waste combustion generate independently of solar output and complement it.
While lithium-ion batteries are the most familiar today, they may not be the main long-term option. Other chemistries, such as sodium-ion, and different concepts entirely, such as flow batteries using metal salts, may eventually have advantages of lower cost, safety, large scale or avoidance of scarce materials.
All these methods have their place. Batteries and other energy storage options do not just hold electricity for future use. They have other functions such as stabilising the grid in case of surges of demand or the sudden power cut of a generating unit and keeping the frequency of its alternating current within standard levels to avoid damaging equipment or causing blackouts. Batteries close to consumers help ease the burden on power lines at times of high demand. These different storage and grid technologies contribute in various ways to stable, reliable electricity.
Achieving reliable, low-cost and continuous electricity from solar plus battery storage has three important implications.
First, as President Sheikh Mohamed said, it is “a significant step on the UAE’s journey towards net zero”.
Second, it will help to power new businesses in the UAE. These could include large industrial users, such as aluminium smelting. Some of these already buy certified low-carbon nuclear and solar electricity from Ewec and Dewa. It can expand to cover data centres, an exploding sector for both investment and electricity use, as artificial intelligence booms.
Third, it will mean the end of oil burning in the power sector in the Middle East, and the steady reduction in gas. The UAE’s gas consumption for power has already dropped significantly, mostly because of the start-up of the Barakah nuclear plant, and improved efficiency.
Saudi Arabia plans to phase out oil in favour of a mix of renewables and gas. Oman, Jordan, Egypt and Morocco are among other regional countries forging ahead with solar and wind power. Those suffering electricity crises, such as Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Iran, Iraq and Libya can tap into solar. The gas saved from power generation can be used in industries such as petrochemicals, or converted to clean products such as “blue” hydrogen and ammonia.
This advance is crucial for the future demand for gas, the supply and cost of low-carbon electricity, and the region’s industrial competitiveness. Other sunny regions with abundant land can benefit similarly.
In the Gulf, the sun will shine even at night.
Robin M. Mills is chief executive of Qamar Energy, and author of The Myth of the Oil Crisis
The biog
Hobbies: Salsa dancing “It's in my blood” and listening to music in different languages
Favourite place to travel to: “Thailand, as it's gorgeous, food is delicious, their massages are to die for!”
Favourite food: “I'm a vegetarian, so I can't get enough of salad.”
Favourite film: “I love watching documentaries, and am fascinated by nature, animals, human anatomy. I love watching to learn!”
Best spot in the UAE: “I fell in love with Fujairah and anywhere outside the big cities, where I can get some peace and get a break from the busy lifestyle”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Bharat
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Starring: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sunil Grover
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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The specs: Aston Martin DB11 V8 vs Ferrari GTC4Lusso T
Price, base: Dh840,000; Dh120,000
Engine: 4.0L V8 twin-turbo; 3.9L V8 turbo
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic; seven-speed automatic
Power: 509hp @ 6,000rpm; 601hp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 695Nm @ 2,000rpm; 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 9.9L / 100km; 11.6L / 100km
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The years Ramadan fell in May
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
UAE%20Warriors%2033%20Results
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFeatherweight%20title%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAli%20Al%20Qaisi%20by%20Jesse%20Arnett%20by%20submission%2C%20round%203%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWelterweight%20title%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EJosh%20Togo%20bt%20Tahir%20Abdullaev%20by%20unanimous%20decision%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFlyweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EIago%20Ribeiro%20bt%20Juan%20Puerta%20by%20unanimous%20decision%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMiddleweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EYerkin%20Darmen%20bt%20Tyler%20Ray%20by%20TKO%2C%20round%203%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWelterweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAbdulla%20Al%20Bousheiri%20bt%20John%20Adajar%20by%20submission%2C%20round%201%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECatchweight%20232lb%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAsylzhan%20Bakhytzhanuly%20bt%20Hasan%20Yousefi%20by%20submission%2C%20round%202%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECatchweight%20176lb%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAlin%20Chirila%20bt%20Silas%20Robson%20by%20KO%2C%20round%201%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECatchweight%20176lb%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EArvin%20Chan%20bt%20Abdi%20Farah%20by%20TKO%2C%20round%201%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELightweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EOle-Jorgen%20Johnsen%20bt%20Nart%20Abida%20by%20TKO%2C%20round%201%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBantamweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EOtar%20Tanzilov%20bt%20Eduardo%20Dinis%20by%20TKO%2C%20round%203%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStrawweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EColine%20Biron%20bt%20Aysun%20Erge%20via%20submission%2C%20round%202%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWelterweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESoslan%20Margiev%20bt%20Mathieu%20Rakotondrazanany%20by%20unanimous%20decision%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBantamweight%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EBakhromjon%20Ruziev%20bt%20Younes%20Chemali%20by%20majority%20decision%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Evacuations to France hit by controversy
- Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
- Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
- The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
- Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
- It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
- Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
- Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
If you go
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
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ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers Pickford (Everton), Pope (Burnley), Henderson (Manchester United)
Defenders Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Chilwell (Chelsea), Coady (Wolves), Dier (Tottenham), Gomez (Liverpool), James (Chelsea), Keane (Everton), Maguire (Manchester United), Maitland-Niles (Arsenal), Mings (Aston Villa), Saka (Arsenal), Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Foden (Manchester City), Henderson (Liverpool), Grealish (Aston Villa), Mount (Chelsea), Rice (West Ham), Ward-Prowse (Southampton), Winks (Tottenham)
Forwards: Abraham (Chelsea), Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Kane (Tottenham), Rashford (Manchester United), Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Sterling (Manchester City)
Federer's 19 grand slam titles
Australian Open (5 titles) - 2004 bt Marat Safin; 2006 bt Marcos Baghdatis; 2007 bt Fernando Gonzalez; 2010 bt Andy Murray; 2017 bt Rafael Nadal
French Open (1 title) - 2009 bt Robin Soderling
Wimbledon (8 titles) - 2003 bt Mark Philippoussis; 2004 bt Andy Roddick; 2005 bt Andy Roddick; 2006 bt Rafael Nadal; 2007 bt Rafael Nadal; 2009 bt Andy Roddick; 2012 bt Andy Murray; 2017 bt Marin Cilic
US Open (5 titles) - 2004 bt Lleyton Hewitt; 2005 bt Andre Agassi; 2006 bt Andy Roddick; 2007 bt Novak Djokovic; 2008 bt Andy Murray
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
England's all-time record goalscorers:
Wayne Rooney 53
Bobby Charlton 49
Gary Lineker 48
Jimmy Greaves 44
Michael Owen 40
Tom Finney 30
Nat Lofthouse 30
Alan Shearer 30
Viv Woodward 29
Frank Lampard 29
Three ways to get a gratitude glow
By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.
- During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
- As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
- In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
Zayed Sustainability Prize
