EWEC seeks developer for 1.5-GW solar project in Abu Dhabi

UAE utility Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) is seeking parties interested in the development and partial ownership of a 1.5-GW solar project in Abu Dhabi.

The power and water supplier on Tuesday announced an Expression of Interest (EOI) as part of a future tender to award the Al Abjan greenfield solar photovoltaic (PV) project. The initiative aims to probe the interest for the implementation of the project and the acquisition of an up to 40% ownership stake through competitive bidding.

The selected developer or consortium will be tasked with the financing, construction, operation, maintenance and ownership of the project.

EOIs will be accepted by May 27, 2022. The next phase in the process will be the launch of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

Planned to be built in the Ajban area of Abu Dhabi, the huge solar park is expected to generate electricity for around 160,000 homes per year and offset over 2.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. State-owned EWEC will keep a 60% interest in the project and will be the power off-taker, signing a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with the selected developer.

Al Abjan will be EWEC’s third endeavour in a large-scale solar scheme. The company is also behind the 1.2-GW Noor Abu Dhabi solar park, which has been in operation for three years and the 2-GW Al Dhafra PV2 solar project that is under construction in Abu Dhabi.

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