Abu Dhabi’s EWEC Invites EoIs for 1.5 GW Solar Project
Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) seeks developers for a 1.5 GW solar project in Al Dhafra. The initiative aims to power 160,000 homes and reduce CO2 emissions by 2.4 million tonnes annually, supporting Abu Dhabi's renewable energy goals.
October 03, 2024. By EI News Network
As per reports, the proposed Zarraf Solar PV Independent Power Project will have a generation capacity of 1.5 GW, which aligns with other major solar initiatives in the UAE, including the Al Dhafra, Al Ajban, and Khazna projects. This new solar plant will play a crucial role in the UAE’s energy transition by significantly increasing the country’s renewable energy capacity.
Once operational, the Zarraf solar project is expected to power approximately 160,000 homes across the UAE. In addition to meeting domestic electricity needs, the plant will also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by over 2.4 million metric tonnes annually. The completion of the Zarraf project will increase EWEC’s total solar capacity to 7 GW, reinforcing the company’s position in the renewable energy sector.
The Zarraf project is the fifth utility-scale solar PV project undertaken by EWEC, in line with its ambitious plan to add 1.4 GW of solar capacity each year from 2027 to 2037. This is part of a wider strategy by the UAE government to transition to renewable energy. Abu Dhabi has set a target to source over 50 percent of its electricity from renewable and clean energy sources by 2030, with plans to increase this target to 60 percent by 2035. The Zarraf solar project is a significant step toward achieving these goals, supporting both national and regional energy transition efforts.
EWEC’s CEO, Othman Al Ali, emphasised that the Zarraf project is a vital component of the UAE’s energy transition strategy. The project will cover the entire lifecycle, including development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the solar PV plant and its associated infrastructure. This approach ensures that the project will be managed in an integrated and sustainable manner, contributing long-term value to the region.
The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest for the Zarraf solar project is October 22. After reviewing the EoIs, EWEC will issue a Request for Qualifications (RfQ) to outline the pre-qualification criteria and bidding process. Following the completion of these stages and once regulatory approval is obtained, EWEC will release a Request for Proposal (RfP) to invite developers to participate in the project’s construction and operation.
Bruce Smith, EWEC’s strategy and planning Executive Director, previously revealed that Abu Dhabi plans to launch a new solar power project each year for the next decade. This strategy reflects the emirate’s long-term commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. As the sole off-taker of water and electricity in Abu Dhabi, EWEC plays a central role in managing the emirate’s energy infrastructure and ensuring that sufficient production capacity is available to meet the growing demand for electricity and water.
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