In March 2013, the Shams 1 solar power project was commissioned in the United Arab Emirates, becoming one of the first large-scale commercial solar energy facilities in the Middle East. The power plant, located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, marked an important milestone in the UAE’s strategy to diversify energy sources and develop renewable energy.
The Shams 1 project has an installed capacity of approximately 100 MW, enabling the annual generation of a substantial amount of electricity from renewable sources. The total project cost was around AED 2.2 billion, and the solar field covers more than 2.5 square kilometers.
The project is based on parabolic-mirror concentrated solar power (CSP) technology. Solar radiation is focused onto heat receivers, where thermal energy is produced to generate steam, which subsequently drives turbines. This technology allows electricity to be generated on an industrial scale while reducing dependence on traditional energy sources.
Shams 1 became the first commercial solar power project of this scale in the region, incorporating more than 250,000 parabolic mirrors arranged into hundreds of solar collectors. The project was implemented under a long-term operation and maintenance agreement with a 25-year term, after which ownership of the facility is transferred to the state.
The power plant is located in the Masdar City area, which is being developed as a hub for sustainable technologies and innovative energy solutions. Shams 1 contributes to reducing carbon emissions and supports the development of a sustainable energy infrastructure in the country.
The project supplies electricity to tens of thousands of households and has become an important component of the UAE’s long-term energy strategy aimed at minimizing environmental impact and strengthening national energy security.
