EWEC Announces RFP For Major 400MW Renewable Battery Energy Storage System

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), a prominent entity in the planning, purchasing, and supply of water and electricity in the UAE, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified developers and consortiums for a new 400-megawatt (MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. This initiative aims to provide up to 800 megawatt-hours (MWh) of storage capacity in Abu Dhabi.

EWEC’s deployment of the BESS project is a strategic move to enhance the flexibility and stability of Abu Dhabi’s energy network, allowing for effective management of peak demand and the integration of increasing amounts of renewable energy. This initiative is part of EWEC’s broader mission to accelerate the energy transition towards renewable and clean energy sources, aligning with the energy targets set by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy for 2035, the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, and the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 goals.

The BESS technology will offer essential ancillary services such as frequency response and voltage regulation, further reinforcing the security of supply. It will also support EWEC’s objective to increase its solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity to 7.5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. This expansion in renewables is expected to reduce the carbon dioxide intensity of EWEC’s power supply from 330 kilograms per megawatt-hour (kg/MWh) in 2019 to an estimated 190 kg/MWh by 2030.

Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, emphasized the significance of the project, “As we commission the development of the UAE’s next-generation energy infrastructure, the 400MW BESS project marks a key milestone in EWEC’s strategic efforts to enhance the resilience and efficiency of the power network. Utility-scale BESS technology will facilitate our rapid integration of increased amounts of renewable energy from solar PV to the system and enable us to operate and manage peak demand more efficiently. Through this strategic project, we are strengthening Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s position as leaders of the global energy transition and accelerating the nation’s net-zero goals. We look forward to working with best-in-class partners to bring this vision to fruition, further advancing the energy sector into a more sustainable future.”

The RFP follows the qualification process initiated during the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage in April 2024, which saw 93 companies and consortiums submit EOIs, and 27 qualify for the RFP stage after submitting Statements of Qualification. The project will adhere to the successful Independent Power Producer (IPP) model used in Abu Dhabi, involving the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the BESS system and associated infrastructure.

Responses to the RFP are expected by Q4 2024, marking a crucial step forward in the UAE’s journey towards a sustainable energy future.