Larsen & Toubro awarded EPC contract for Masdar’s BESS Project in MENA Region

In a significant development in the renewable energy sector, Larsen & Toubro’s renewables division has successfully secured the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract from Masdar for the north site of a massive solar and battery storage project in Abu Dhabi. This project, developed in coordination with EWEC, is poised to become the largest of its kind globally, boasting a capacity of 5.2 GW of solar power and a 19 GWh battery energy storage system. Divided into north and south sites, with respective capacities of 2.6 GWh and 9.5 GWh, this venture aims to ensure round-the-clock availability of clean energy.

Another notable development in the Middle East and North Africa region comes from Amea Power, which has announced its ambitious plans to establish a $350 million battery energy storage system (BESS) in Egypt. This strategic move signifies a major expansion of Amea Power’s footprint in Egypt, with the project envisioned to encompass a total of 1,500 MWh split between Benban (1,000 MWh) and Zafaranna (500 MWh) and an expected completion timeline by March 2027. Amea Power has already kicked off proceedings by finalizing an initial power purchase agreement with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, with a formal contract impending.

Further solidifying the region’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions, Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power has joined forces with Italy’s Snam to explore collaborative investments in setting up a green hydrogen supply chain connecting Saudi Arabia to Europe. This collaboration is geared towards establishing a viable and cost-effective hydrogen corridor, with specific plans to establish an ammonia import terminal in Italy. The partnership is in line with Snam’s efforts to enhance its multi-molecule infrastructure for energy security and attaining net-zero goals, while ACWA Power is actively expanding its involvement in green hydrogen and ammonia production.

In a move towards promoting solar power generation at a local level, the renewable energy firm IRSC has inked a deal with Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems Egypt to install a 3.2 MW rooftop solar power system at its industrial facilities. This project, slated for completion within the second quarter of 2025, is anticipated to generate 4.9 GWh annually and result in a reduction of 52,700 tons of carbon emissions per year. Additionally, Emerge, a collaborative venture between Masdar and France’s EDF Group, has taken strides in solar energy deployment through an agreement with ADNOC Sour Gas for exploring solar projects at the Shah Gas Plant and a rooftop solar PV project with Pipetec in KEZAD. They also successfully inaugurated a 1.8 MW solar plant at Coca-Cola Al Ahlia’s Al Ain facility, aimed at curbing CO2 emissions by 1,566 metric tons annually. Emerge’s accomplishments in 2024 include a threefold increase in operating solar capacity to 30 MW and securing contracts for an additional 147 MW of new projects.

Amidst these promising developments, on the International Day of Clean Energy, UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, reiterated the country’s steadfast commitment to fostering a sustainable future. Noteworthy achievements such as hosting three of the world’s largest solar projects and launching a gigawatt-scale solar and battery storage project underscore the UAE’s dedication to advancing renewable energy initiatives.

These recent advancements in the MENA region reflect a collective push towards embracing clean energy solutions, with key players actively contributing towards the development and implementation of sustainable technologies and practices.