EWEC Calls For Proposals On New Carbon-Capture-Ready Power Plant In Abu Dhabi

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Taweelah C Independent Power Producer (IPP) project. This new Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant, designed to be carbon-capture-ready, will be situated in the Al Taweelah Power and Desalination Complex, about 50 kilometres northeast of Abu Dhabi.

The RFP outlines detailed requirements and technical specifications to aid firms and consortiums in preparing their proposals. Responses are anticipated by Q4 2024. The Taweelah C project follows Abu Dhabi’s IPP programme model, where developers enter long-term agreements with EWEC as the sole procurer.

This initiative involves developing, financing, constructing, operating, maintaining, and owning the plant. The successful developer or consortium will hold up to 40 percent ownership of the entity, while the remaining equity will be indirectly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government.

Commercial operations for Taweelah C are expected to commence in Q3 2028. The plant's efficient natural gas turbine technology is projected to generate up to 2.5 gigawatts (AC).

Taweelah C will primarily offer transitional capacity to support large-scale renewable energy integration. It will also provide additional flexibility during peak power demand periods.

As EWEC advances the decarbonisation of electricity and water supply in the UAE, high-efficiency gas-fired plants like Taweelah C are essential. These plants ensure energy security while transitioning towards a renewable-focused energy sector.

Key Role in Decarbonisation

Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, stated, "As we lead this transformation, natural gas will be a key transition fuel to enable us to meet Abu Dhabi’s 2035 decarbonisation targets as we continue to successfully onboard new renewable capacity. Taweelah C’s efficient and carbon-capture-ready technology has an important role to play in enhancing the flexibility of our generation system and ensuring energy security. We look forward to receiving proposals from qualified companies and consortiums as we move forward with this project."

The Taweelah C project is pivotal for EWEC's strategy to drive the UAE’s net-zero transition. Flexible gas-fired plants are crucial for maintaining energy security during this shift towards renewable energy sources.

With inputs from WAM