Abu Dhabi has launched work on a Dh3.2-billion ($870 million) project to build the world’s largest independent solar power plant in Suweihan.

Construction work has begun on the solar photovoltaic (PV) plant after a financing package, totalling Dh3.2 billion, was secured. 

The plant will produce enough electricity to power about 200,000 homes. 

The contract to build and operate the 1,177 MW plant was signed by Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea) and the consortium of Japan’s Marubeni Corp and China’s JinkoSolar Holding, according to a Wam report.

The Asian consortium submitted the lowest bid to provide electricity at a non-weighted cost of 2.94 cents per kWh, making it one of the cheapest solar projects in the world.

At the launch ceremony, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council,  said: “This project translates the vision of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the directives of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to provide efficient alternatives for energy and to diversify the UAE economy away from dependence on oil.”