EWEC Unveils International Partnership For Major 1.5GW Solar Project In Abu Dhabi

The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has recently announced a major stride in renewable energy development by awarding the contract for the 1.5GW Al Ajban Solar PV Independent Power Project. This significant project will be spearheaded by an international consortium, which includes EDF Renewables, Korea Western Power Company (KOWEPO), and Masdar, with the latter serving as the local shareholder. A pivotal Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was also signed, cementing the collaboration between EWEC and the involved stakeholders.

Strategically located in Al Ajban, 70km northeast of Abu Dhabi, the Al Ajban Solar PV plant is set to become operational in Q3 2026. Upon completion, it will rank among the four largest single-site solar power plants globally, with three others also situated in Abu Dhabi. This plant is poised to supply electricity to 160,000 households across the UAE while concurrently reducing Abu Dhabi’s carbon emissions by 2.4 million metric tonnes annually.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President, highlighted the UAE's leadership in renewable energy expansion efforts aimed at tripling global renewable capacity by 2030. Hamad Al Hammadi, Chairman of EWEC, underscored the project's alignment with the UAE's decarbonization goals and its commitment to achieving the targets set during COP28.

Luc Rémont, Chairman and CEO of EDF Group, acknowledged EWEC's collaborative spirit and reiterated EDF Group’s dedication to combating climate change and aiding Middle Eastern countries in their energy transition. Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC, remarked on the Al Ajban Solar PV plant's role in EWEC’s strategy to decarbonize the energy sector and secure long-term energy sustainability.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, discussed the project’s contribution towards achieving the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative and its significance in the global effort to enhance renewable energy capacity. Park Hyung Duck, CEO of KOWEPO, expressed their commitment to fostering a cleaner and sustainable future through innovative energy solutions.

The Al Ajban Solar PV project is a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's strategy for energy transition and sustainability. It aligns with both the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 initiative. EWEC aims to generate more than 50% of Abu Dhabi’s electricity from renewable and clean energy sources by 2030 and plans to add 1.4GW of new solar PV capacity annually between 2027 and 2037.

The financial closure of this ambitious project is anticipated by Q3 2024, marking a significant milestone in the region's journey towards sustainable energy solutions.

With inputs from WAM