EWEC Receives Four Bids for 3.3 GW Al Nouf 1 Power Project in Abu Dhabi

The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has announced the receipt of four competitive proposals for the development of the Al Nouf 1 Independent Power Producer (IPP) project, marking a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi’s energy infrastructure expansion.

The bids were submitted by leading international consortiums, including partnerships between Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company, Sembcorp Industries, and EDF Power Solutions; ENGIE, Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation, and Korea Western Power Company; Korea Electric Power Corporation alongside Etihad Water and Electricity; and Sumitomo Corporation.

The Al Nouf 1 project is set to become the UAE’s largest single-site carbon-capture-ready Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant, with a planned generation capacity of up to 3.3 GW. The facility will deploy advanced turbine technologies designed to deliver high efficiency and performance.

Located within the newly designated Al Nouf Complex in Abu Dhabi, the coastal site has been strategically selected to support integrated power generation and low-carbon reverse osmosis desalination. The complex is being developed as a major hub for utility-scale energy and water projects, with infrastructure designed to accommodate future expansion.

EWEC stated that the project aligns with its broader strategy to create integrated energy clusters that enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The development will play a critical role in supporting grid stability by providing dispatchable power capacity as renewable energy deployment accelerates across the UAE.

Commenting on the development, Ahmed Ali Alshamsi highlighted Abu Dhabi’s growing attractiveness as a global energy investment destination. He noted that strong participation from international developers reflects confidence in EWEC’s procurement framework and long-term energy strategy.

He further emphasized that integrating a large-scale, carbon-capture-ready gas plant is essential to managing renewable intermittency while maintaining progress toward decarbonisation goals.

The project will also incorporate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital twin systems to optimise performance and improve operational flexibility. Additionally, it is expected to support Emiratisation objectives by creating opportunities for UAE nationals across key roles.

The Al Nouf 1 IPP is scheduled to achieve commercial operations by the third quarter of 2029. EWEC will now proceed with a detailed technical and commercial evaluation of the submitted proposals.

The project forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader clean energy ambitions, supporting targets set by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy under its Clean Energy Strategy 2035, as well as the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative.