Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) has announced that it has received three proposals for the development of the Taweelah C Independent Power Producer (IPP) project in Abu Dhabi.
The bids were received from consortiums comprising: Saudi-based Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company and Sembcorp Industries; Sumitomo Corporation, Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation, and Korean Midland Power; and Korea Western Power Company, Etihad Water and Electricity, and Kyuden International.
The new carbon-capture-ready Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant will be located in the Al Taweelah Power and Desalination Complex, approximately 50 km north-east of the city of Abu Dhabi.
It is expected to achieve commercial operations in Q4 2028.
EWEC is leading the decarbonisation of Abu Dhabi's electricity and water supply, driving the UAE's net-zero transition through the diversification of energy sources and the development of carbon-capture-ready, high-efficiency, transitional power assets such as Taweelah C that will facilitate the integration of increasing amounts of renewable energy, and ensure energy security.
In addition, as part of Abu Dhabi’s successful IPP programme, the project is expected to contribute to Emiratisation targets by supporting the inclusion of UAE Nationals across key roles, thereby supporting national workforce development goals.
Once operational, the Taweelah C IPP project will have a capacity of 2.5 gigawatts.
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Asset Development & Management Officer of EWEC, said: "As the UAE transitions to a clean energy future, gas-fired plants like Taweelah C are integral to maintaining energy security."
"High-efficiency natural gas facilities provide the necessary reliability and flexibility to support the increasing integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid, in addition to assistance during peak demand periods. By 2030, we forecast that over half of Abu Dhabi's electricity capacity will be provided from renewable and clean energy sources," stated Al Marzooqi.
"We are pleased to have received competitive bids that will make Taweelah C one of the most operationally efficient and lowest tariff CCGT projects in the region, utilising state of the art AI and digital twin technologies with real-time data to optimise energy production, and be carbon-capture-ready. We will now move forward with our evaluation process," he added.
The awarding announcement and the execution of the Power Purchase Agreement are expected to take place in Q4 2025.-TradeArabia News Service
