BYD Energy Storage Signs 11.275 GWh Deal For Masdar’s World-First Round-The-Clock Renewable Energy Project

BYD Energy Storage has signed a major energy storage supply agreement with Masdar for the world’s first gigascale round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy project in Abu Dhabi. Under the contract, BYD will provide 11.275 GWh of its Haohan battery energy storage system (BESS) for a single energy storage station with a capacity of 1,644 MW/11,275 MWh. The agreement follows BYD’s recent involvement in a 12.5 GWh grid-side energy storage project in Saudi Arabia, further strengthening the company’s presence in the Middle East.

The Abu Dhabi RTC project is being jointly developed by Masdar and the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). It combines a massive 5.2 GW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant with a 19 GWh battery energy storage system, making it the largest integrated solar and battery storage project of its kind in the world. The project has been designed to deliver renewable electricity continuously, overcoming the challenge of solar power intermittency and enabling round-the-clock clean energy supply.

Once operational, the project is expected to produce gigawatt-scale baseload renewable power at competitive costs. It is also expected to serve as a model for future renewable energy developments worldwide by demonstrating how large-scale battery storage can ensure a reliable electricity supply while supporting the transition away from fossil fuels. The initiative further reinforces the United Arab Emirates’ position as a leader in renewable energy and clean power innovation.

BYD stated that the partnership with Masdar reflects growing confidence in its energy storage technologies and highlights the company’s ability to deliver large-scale projects globally. The company believes its advanced battery solutions and integrated system capabilities have made it a preferred supplier for major renewable energy developments.

The project will utilize BYD’s Haohan energy storage system, which is equipped with the company’s 2,710 Ah Blade Battery. According to BYD, the high-capacity battery increases single-cell capacity by more than 300% while significantly improving energy density. The larger battery cells also simplify the battery management system (BMS), reducing system complexity by 70% to 80% and improving overall system reliability. These features are expected to enhance operational safety, extend project life, and support uninterrupted renewable power delivery.

BYD also highlighted the compact design of the Haohan system. Each unit offers a capacity of up to 14.5 MWh, while a standard 20-foot container can accommodate up to 10 MWh of storage. The higher energy density reduces the number of containers required, lowers land use, and simplifies project installation and maintenance.

Considering the harsh desert conditions of the Middle East, the Haohan system has been designed to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 55°C. It carries an IP66 protection rating, providing complete protection against dust and strong resistance to challenging environmental conditions such as sandstorms and extreme heat. These features are intended to ensure stable long-term operation in demanding climates.

The project will also deploy BYD Energy Storage’s self-developed GC Master Energy Management System (EMS). The company said the platform can manage tens of millions of data points and offers significantly higher processing capability than many existing solutions. With the ability to manage energy storage stations exceeding 15 GWh, the system provides real-time monitoring, equipment scheduling, safety warnings, and health diagnostics. BYD noted that the EMS has already been deployed in several overseas large-scale energy storage projects and will help ensure efficient and reliable operation of the Abu Dhabi RTC project.