Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has called on developers and consortiums to submit expressions of interest (EOI) for the development of a new 1.5 gigawatt (GW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi.
The Zarraf Solar PV project is set to be one of the largest solar power developments in the UAE, aimed at advancing the country’s renewable energy goals.
The greenfield project, located in the Al Zarraf area, will have a capacity of 1.5 GW AC, putting it on par with some of the UAE’s most significant solar power ventures, including Al Dhafra Solar PV, Al Ajban Solar PV, and Khazna Solar PV.
Once fully operational, the Zarraf Solar PV plant will generate enough electricity to power approximately 160,000 homes across the UAE, while cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by over 2.4 million metric tonnes annually, according to EWEC.
“The Zarraf Solar PV project is a key component of EWEC’s world-leading deployment of solar power generation, as we strategically accelerate the UAE’s energy transition,” said Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, in a statement.
“We are proud to be leading the transformation of the energy ecosystem by commissioning and deploying new low-carbon technologies. We look forward to receiving expressions of interest for the development of the Zarraf Solar PV project, and welcome those willing to join us on our journey to decarbonise the energy sector.”
The project aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity. Once completed, the Zarraf Solar PV plant will raise EWEC’s total solar power capacity to approximately 7 GW AC, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leader in solar energy development in the Middle East.
The Zarraf Solar PV project will be EWEC’s fifth large-scale solar project as the company ramps up its efforts to increase renewable energy production.
EWEC has outlined an ambitious target to build an average of 1.4 GW of new solar PV capacity annually between 2027 and 2037, a move that will contribute to the UAE’s long-term decarbonisation strategy.
EWEC has forecasted that by 2030, more than 50% of Abu Dhabi’s electricity demand will be met by renewable and clean energy sources. By 2035, this figure is expected to rise to 60%, showcasing the Emirate’s commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels.
EWEC’s renewable energy initiatives support the UAE’s national clean energy targets, including the country’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The project also reflects Abu Dhabi’s drive to diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependency on natural gas and other fossil fuels, which have traditionally dominated its energy sector.
The Zarraf Solar PV project will involve the development, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the solar plant and its associated infrastructure. It follows Abu Dhabi’s independent power project (IPP) model, under which developers will enter into a long-term power purchase agreement with EWEC, the sole procurer of electricity in the Emirate.
Developers and consortiums interested in the project have until October 22, 2024 at 12:00 PM Gulf Standard Time (GST) to submit their expressions of interest via electronic submission to: zarrafpv.project@ewec.ae.
Following a review of the EOIs, EWEC will issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to those selected to proceed to the next stage. The RFQ will provide further details on the project, including the pre-qualification criteria and bidding process. A Request for Proposal (RFP) will then be issued to the qualified bidders after regulatory approvals have been secured.
EWEC’s efforts to increase solar power capacity align with the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. Solar power, in particular, has become a key component of the country’s energy strategy, given the UAE’s abundant sunshine and available land for large-scale solar developments.
The Zarraf Solar PV project, once operational, will contribute to reducing the UAE’s reliance on traditional energy sources and lower its overall carbon footprint.
