UAE launches first utility-scale wind project

Masdar has inaugurated the UAE Wind Program, a 103.5MW wind project marking the first utility-scale wind power project in the UAE.

The UAE Wind Program is expected to power over 23,000 UAE homes a year and will displace 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The project spans four locations including the Sir Bani Yas Island, which includes a 45MW wind farm plus a 14MWp solar farm, as well as Delma Island (27MW) in Abu Dhabi, Al Sila, Abu Dhabi (27MW) and Al Halah, Fujairah (4.5MW).

Masdar has also signed a power purchase agreement with EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) for the wind power generation from the Sir Bani Yas Island, Al Sila, and Delma Island projects.

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Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar's chief executive officer, said: “Today’s launch of the UAE’s first utility-scale wind programme is the result of years of hard work and collaboration...As we accelerate our path to Net Zero by 2050, the UAE wind program shows that anything is possible when you have vision, passion and a pioneering spirit.”

The project uses technology designed to capture low wind speeds at utility scale by way of material advances and aerodynamics.

According to Masdar, wind energy has not previously been viable in the UAE due to low wind speeds. However, innovations within climate technology, bigger turbine sizes and lower hardware prices are now making it possible.

Also UAE has higher wind speeds at night, which complements existing day time solar generation.

By working with global technology firms and turbine manufacturers, this project can generate data and best practices to pave the way to commercialise other utility scale, low-wind speed projects.