Transforming The Energy Sector: TAQA And EWEC Initiate AI-Driven Projects For A Greener UAE

In a significant move towards enhancing sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) have initiated new energy projects.

These projects align with the UAE's strategic goals, including the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 initiative. This collaboration is designed to revolutionise the energy sector by integrating artificial intelligence and low-carbon technologies to meet the nation's ambitious environmental objectives.

The joint efforts of TAQA and EWEC involve the establishment of the Al Dhafra Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) project. TAQA has entered into a 24-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EWEC for this 1-gigawatt (GW) initiative, highlighting TAQA's commitment as the sole proprietor.

The company will not only handle the construction of this project but also manage its operations and maintenance (O&M). Furthermore, through TAQA Transmission, a subsidiary of the TAQA Group, the project aims to enhance power grid infrastructure. This will facilitate the integration of new energy sources, ensuring access to dependable and sustainable power solutions.

This collaboration stands out for its contribution to a pioneering project announced by EWEC and Masdar, aimed at ensuring the continuous availability of renewable energy. This initiative will introduce the world's largest combined solar and battery energy storage system (BESS), capable of delivering up to 1GW of baseload power from renewable sources daily.

The partnership among EWEC, TAQA, and Masdar signifies a substantial investment in Abu Dhabi's energy infrastructure, totaling around AED36 billion. A significant portion of this investment, approximately 75%, will be directed towards developing both renewable and conventional power generation.

The remaining 25% will be allocated to enhancing grid infrastructure, which will augment the regulated asset base and generate a regulated return. This investment reflects a strategic approach to balancing sustainability with operational excellence and sets a new global benchmark for sustainable energy systems.

Jasim Thabet, the Group CEO and Managing Director of TAQA and Vice Chairman of Masdar, said, "Providing reliable low-carbon power plays an important role in enabling the global energy transition. Through our expertise in power generation and transmission, and as the largest shareholder in Masdar, TAQA plays a central role in advancing clean energy solutions in the UAE, and we remain committed to ensuring reliable, low-carbon power at all times. As a champion of low-carbon power and water, we are proud to be a part of these world-class projects alongside our partner EWEC," he stated.

Ahmed Ali Alshamsi, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, also highlighted the significance of this partnership in advancing the UAE's energy transition. "EWEC is pleased to partner with TAQA on transformative initiatives that will not only power the UAE's AI ambitions but also accelerate the nation's energy transition. By creating a future-ready energy framework that integrates next-generation renewable energy technologies and advanced transmission solutions, this collaboration is setting a new global benchmark for sustainable energy systems that balances sustainability with operational excellence."

As the UAE forges ahead with its commitment to adopting advanced technologies and pursuing environmental and economic goals, these initiatives represent critical steps towards a sustainable and AI-powered future. This strategic collaboration between TAQA and EWEC is poised to redefine the energy landscape, ensuring that the UAE remains at the forefront of the global transition to cleaner, more sustainable power solutions.