Masdar’s 5.2 GW/19GWh solar battery system will provide 1 GW 24/7 for $6 billion

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1. **Summary: Masdar’s Round-the-Clock Solar System**

   Abu Dhabi-based Masdar has broken ground on a revolutionary solar and battery system designed to provide continuous baseload power 24/7. This represents a major breakthrough in renewable energy capability.

   **Key Features:**

   – **Capacity:** 5.2 GW solar plant paired with a 19 GWh battery system (the world’s largest grid-tied energy storage when complete)
   – **Output:** Delivers a steady 1 GW to the grid continuously, day and night
   – **Impact:** Will power 500,000 homes and avoid 5.7 million metric tons of emissions annually
   – **Cost:** $6 billion with zero ongoing fuel costs – this is competitive with modern CCGT gas generators over 30 years if you include fuel and construction costs.

   **What Makes It Revolutionary:**
   Unlike typical solar installations that create grid management challenges with fluctuating output, this system mimics traditional baseload power plants. The massive battery stores most of the daytime solar production, then releases it steadily around the clock. The co-located design also improves efficiency by keeping power in DC format between panels and batteries.

   **Significance:**
   This system demonstrates that solar and battery storage can completely replace traditional fossil fuel power plants while providing additional grid services like frequency modulation and black start capability. If successful, it could prove renewables can truly dominate global energy grids.

   Construction is now underway following the completed design phase.

2. Am I calculating this right – assuming a 30-year lifespan, is that 2-3 cents per kWh?

3. Are there any projects like this happening in Australia?

   Seems like a no-brainer & it shuts the ‘the sun doesn’t shine at night’ and ‘you need baseline power.’ crew up

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