Abu Dhabi's EWEC Invites Expression of Interest for 1.5-GW Solar Project

Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Abu Dhabi's Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has called for expressions of interest (EOI) for a new 1.5-gigawatt (GW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project, the Zarraf Solar PV plant, to be located in the Al Dhafra region. This project represents a significant step in the emirate's ongoing expansion of renewable energy, bringing its total capacity to 7.2 GW once completed. It is the fifth large-scale solar facility planned for United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Zarraf Solar PV plant follows in the footsteps of the Khazna Solar PV project, which began its EOI phase in September 2023, with a request for proposals (RFP) issued in April 2024. Khazna is set to become operational by 2027, and the newly proposed Zarraf plant is expected to come online in 2028.

In addition to these projects, EWEC has been actively pursuing solar initiatives under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, as demonstrated by the ongoing development of the Al Ajban Solar PV plant, involving key partners such as Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (also known as Masdar), EDF Renewables (France), and Korea Western Power Company.

Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Power Project Database can read detailed information on the Al Zarraf, Al Khazna and Al Ajban projects, and click here for the related plant profiles.

These projects reflect Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to diversify its energy mix and enhance its renewable energy production, with solar playing a central role.

Industrial Info is tracking 22 capital-spending renewable energy projects across the UAE, worth US$10.87 billion. Subscribers can click here for a full list.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) platform helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking over 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 Trillion (USD).