Shams is a 100-megawatt (MW) concentrated solar power (CSP) plant located in Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi.

Shams is a pioneering renewable energy project in the UAE and the first operational utility-scale CSP plant in the MENA region. The plant is approximately 120km southwest of Abu Dhabi and 6km from Madinat Zayed, a location that offers sufficient space, a high level of direct solar irradiation and easy connection to the existing power grid infrastructure. This location also contributes to the Emirate’s development goals by spurring economic activity in Al Dhafra region.

Through the Shams Power Company PJSC the CSP plant is owned by Masdar, Abu Dhabi Pension Fund and Total.

Commissioned in 2013 Shams is helping the United Arab Emirates to diversify its energy mix and reducing the country’s carbon footprint – displacing about 175,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent to planting 1.5 million trees or removing 15,000 cars from Abu Dhabi’s roads. Since its inception, Shams has contributed to the UAE’s target of generating 27 percent of electricity from clean energy sources by 2021 and 50 percent by 2050.

Shams generates energy through 768 parabolic trough collectors, covering an area of 2.5 square kilometers, delivering electricity that is sustainable, affordable and secure.

Watch our video to see the journey of Shams power plant and how it contributes to the clean energy goals of the UAE.

Our Mission, Vision & Values

We care about our environment and new generations!

Powering a sustainable future with solar energy.

Leading the CSP industry globally through safe and reliable operations by our people to help the country achieve its clean energy goals. We create value by sharing knowledge and contributing to the society.

We are striving to nothing less but the best we can every time. Our professionals put the efforts to achieve our mission and goals.

Our Board

Board Members

Our History

2022

On 14 November 2022 Al Dhafrah Innovation Centre was visited by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

View All

2021

Shams Power Company achieves a new milestone of two -million man-hours without lost time injuries.

View All

2020

Shams completes its first main outage, which included maintenance of the main turbine. More than 400 people and 25 different companies were involved in completing the successful outage.

View All

2019

Shams Power Company achieves a new milestone of one-million man-hours without lost time injuries.

View All

2018

Shams starts using a new efficient technology to clean the plant’s parabolic trough mirrors.

View All

2017

In collaboration with Masdar and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), Shams Power Company begins hosting solar project competitions between high schools in Al Dhafra region.

View All

2016

Shams is announced as the 2016 winner of the Middle East Solar Industry Association’s (MESIA) MENASOL award.

View All

2015

Shams begins work placement and internship programmes for university students, aimed at educating and developing the next generation of sustainability leaders.

View All

2014

Shams Power Company welcomes Ban Ki-moon, the then Secretary-General of the United Nations.

View All

2013

Shams is officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The first kilowatt-hour of electricity is produced and the plant successfully starts to generate power to the national grid.

Shams receives the Emirates Energy Award 2013 - Large Energy Project Award by Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Project of the Year Award 2013 by Emirates Solar Industry Association

View All

2012

Construction of Shams is completed.

View All

2011

Steam turbines, an the essential part of the Shams power plant, are installed.

View All

2010

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attends the announcement of the commencement of construction.

Shams project was awarded- “Middle East Renewable Energy Deal of the year” 2010 by Project Finance Magazine Project Finance magazine awards Shams the “Middle East Renewables Deal of the Year 2010”.

Site levelling begins to prepare for construction.

View All

2009

Masdar, in partnership with Total, begins plans for the development of the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant -Shams- and the first concentrated solar power (CSP) station to become registered under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism and eligible for carbon credits.

View All