Abu Dhabi has launched a Dh3.2 billion ($870 million) project to build the world's largest independent solar power plant, which will position the emirate as the global capital for best economic, environmental and technological practices.

A ceremony was held on Wednesday to launch the solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, which will be built in Suweihan, Abu Dhabi, reported WAM, the official Emirates news agency.

The ceremony was attended Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, members of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, senior government officials and energy specialists.

"This project translates the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the directives of His Highness 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 as the main source of income," Sheikh Hazza..

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