EWEC Issues RFP for 140 MW Al Sila Wind Project

The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), a UAE-based firm responsible for the planning, procurement, and supply of water and electricity with a focus on renewable energy and sustainability, has officially issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of the 140 MW Al Sila Wind Independent Power Project (IPP).

Located near an existing utility-scale wind farm in Al Sila, this project marks a significant step in Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy ambitions. Once operational, the Al Sila Wind project is expected to generate up to 140 MW of alternating current (AC) renewable energy, sufficient to power approximately 36,000 homes annually. Additionally, the project will contribute to reducing carbon emissions by displacing around 190,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

This development will complement Abu Dhabi’s existing wind farms in Sila, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Delma Island, effectively doubling the emirate’s total wind generation capacity to approximately 240 MW.

Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Asset Development and Management Officer of EWEC, emphasised the project’s strategic significance, stating, “The Al Sila Wind project represents a bold step forward in diversifying the UAE’s energy mix and further establishing Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for innovation in utility-scale renewable energy. This initiative aligns with EWEC’s mission to accelerate the energy transition while advancing the UAE’s sustainable future. By 2035, we aim to increase our wind capacity to 2.6 GW, setting a global benchmark in renewable energy leadership.”

Al Marzooqi also expressed enthusiasm for the competitive proposals expected from qualified bidders, highlighting the transformative potential of the project.

The Al Sila Wind project will encompass the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the wind farm and its associated infrastructure. The successful developer or consortium will retain up to 40 percent ownership of the project entity, with the remaining equity held indirectly by the Abu Dhabi Government.

The selected developer will enter into a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EWEC, the sole buyer of power and water capacity and output in Abu Dhabi. The PPA will be structured as an energy purchase agreement, ensuring that EWEC pays only for the net electrical energy supplied by the plant.

The RFP has been issued to 16 pre-qualified companies and consortiums, following the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage in October 2024. These entities submitted Statements of Qualification to advance to the RFP stage. The RFP outlines detailed requirements and proposed technical parameters to guide bidders in preparing their submissions. Responses to the RFP are due by the second quarter of 2025 (Q2 2025).

The competitive bidding process underscores EWEC’s commitment to fostering innovation and efficiency in the development of renewable energy projects.

The Al Sila Wind project is a key component of the UAE’s broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. By expanding its wind energy capacity, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy innovation and sustainability.

The project also supports the UAE’s ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero goals. With the addition of the Al Sila Wind project, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy portfolio will take a significant leap forward, contributing to the emirate’s vision of a sustainable and resilient energy future. EWEC’s proactive approach to renewable energy development underscores its role as a catalyst for the UAE’s energy transition and its commitment to setting global standards in clean energy leadership.