Abu Dhabi's Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has initiated the process to seek potential developers for a 1.5GWdc solar photovoltaic (PV) project located in the Al Khazna region of Abu Dhabi. The project, a significant step in EWEC's transition to a low-carbon energy system, calls for interested companies to participate in its development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership, along with associated infrastructure.
EWEC, a key player in the region's energy landscape, plans to implement the project through an independent producer model. The selected bidder will enter into a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with EWEC.
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“Solar energy is an integral pillar of EWEC's strategy in transitioning our portfolio to a low-carbon system and decarbonizing electricity production,” noted Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC. He further emphasized the company's commitment to investing in renewable projects that align with Abu Dhabi's ambitious goal of sourcing 60% of its total power demand from clean energy sources by 2035, contributing to the UAE's sustainability objectives.
While operational and financial specifics remain undisclosed, interested parties have until October 2, 2023, to submit their applications for consideration.
The Khazna Solar PV project is poised to match the scale and production capacity of Al Dhafra Solar PV and Al Ajban Solar PV projects. In a similar endeavor earlier this year, EWEC invited proposals from 19 companies and consortiums to develop a 1.5GW solar PV project in Abu Dhabi.
See also: UAE Announces Goal to Produce 14 GW of Clean Energy by 2030
Trina Solar, a member of the Solar Module Super League, made headlines by delivering 800MW of solar modules to the Al Dhafra PV plant in the UAE in July, showcasing the region's growing commitment to renewable energy.
In a parallel development, EWEC disclosed that it was evaluating four bids from companies keen on constructing the new 1.5GW Al Ajban solar plant. The proposed arrangement includes shared ownership, with the UAE government holding a 60% stake and the selected bidder owning the remaining 40%, accompanied by the signing of a long-term PPA with EWEC.
