Masdar launches 100MW solar thermal plant in Abu Dhabi

Shams 1 is expected meet the electricity requirements of 20,000 homes in the region besides mitigating 175,000 tons of Carbon dioxide emissions per annum.

The $600m plant was developed by Shams Power Company, a joint venture of Masdar with French energy company Total and Spanish infrastructure company Abengoa.

Total and Abengoa each own a 20% stake in the venture while the remaining interest is held by Masdar.

Masdar said in a statement, "Shams 1 is an example of how collaboration between companies can achieve large-scale, clean-energy solutions that help meet the world’s growing energy demands."

Commenting on the launch Masdar CEO Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber remarked that the plant marks a major breakthrough in the renewable energy industry of Middle East region providing sustainable and secure power.

"From precious hydrocarbons exports to sophisticated renewable energy systems, we are balancing the energy mix and diversifying our economy – moving toward a more sustainable future.

"Today, the UAE is the only OPEC nation delivering both hydrocarbons and renewable energy to the international market," added Al Jaber.

Shams 1 will cover an area of 2.5 km², featuring over 258,000 mirrors mounted on 768 tracking parabolic trough collectors.

Abengoa Solar CEO Santiago Seage stated: "The Middle East holds nearly half of the world’s renewable energy potential. The region needs more projects like Shams 1, and we look forward to pushing the boundaries of future energy."

Masdar noted that with the unveiling of the plant, its renewable energy portfolio totals for nearly 68% of the Gulf’s renewable energy capacity along with 10% of the global installed CSP capacity.