EWEC Launches RFP for 1,500 MW Khazna Solar PV Project to Boost UAE’s Renewable Energy Capacity

EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company), a pivotal entity in water and electricity supply in the UAE, has advanced its latest initiative, the Khazna Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project, by inviting proposals from pre-qualified developers and consortiums. This 1,500-megawatt solar facility, situated in Al Khazna, Abu Dhabi, marks EWEC’s fourth major venture into utility-scale solar energy.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) follows the initial Expression of Interest phase completed in September 2023, which saw 27 entities showing interest, of which 19 successfully moved to the RFP stage. The RFP details the project’s specifications aimed at guiding the bidding developers in crafting their proposals effectively.

Othman Al Ali, EWEC’s CEO, emphasized the project’s alignment with the UAE’s strategic goals of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainable energy use. By 2037, EWEC aims to bolster its solar capacity significantly as part of its broader objective to achieve nearly 50% of its electricity production from renewable sources by 2030.

Upon completion, the Khazna Solar PV, alongside existing projects like Noor Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, and Al Ajban Solar PVs, will elevate EWEC’s total solar capacity to 5.5 gigawatts. This capacity will contribute to a collective annual reduction of over 8.2 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions. Specifically, the Khazna project is expected to cut CO2 emissions by 2.4 million metric tonnes annually, providing enough electricity for around 160,000 homes—equivalent to removing roughly 470,000 cars from the road.

Developers in the project will own up to 40% of the entity, with the remainder held by the Abu Dhabi Government. They will also engage in a long-term power purchase agreement with EWEC, ensuring payment for the net energy supplied.

EWEC anticipates proposal submissions by the third quarter of 2024 and plans to publicly announce the selected developers thereafter.