The 185 million UAE Dirhams (~US$50 million) plant, consisting of 50% thin film and 50% crystalline, is projected to generate 17,500 MWh annually. Following the complete installation of all 87,777 thin film and photo crystalline silicon panels, the plant will be grid-connected.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Chief Executive Officer at Masdar, says: “This 10 MW plant signals a bold step forward in the drive to increase the adoption of alternative energy in the region. It provides the foundation on which the construction of Masdar City will be built, and demonstrates the viability and attractiveness for further PV plants to be built within the region.”

The plant will initially support the ongoing construction activities of Masdar City and will later be the power provider for the Masdar Institute, which is due to open late 2009. The PV plant will also supply energy to the Masdar Site Administration Facilities. Excess energy generated will be supplied to the Abu Dhabi grid.