The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) says 24 local and international companies have made the cut for a 2 GW solar power project proposed to be developed as a single-site plant in Abu Dhabi. Names of the qualifiers aren't revealed as yet, however, they must submit proposals by Q4/2019.
Speaking to Reuters, a spokesperson from EWEC confirmed receiving response to its expression of interest round launched in February 2019 from a total of 48 leading developers, out of which it has shortlisted 24 (see Call For 2 GW PV Project In Abu Dhabi). The 2 GW plant will come up in Al Dhafra region of the emirate and will have EWEC partnering the winner in launching a special purpose vehicle for the project.
Referring to a statement by EWEC, Reuters stated the project will be located on a 20 km2 area; the commercial operations date is scheduled for Q1/2022. With the project online Abu Dhabi's total solar power capacity will be close to 3.2 GW.
Abu Dhabi recently energized its 1,177 MW Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Power Plant in Sweihan as one of the world's largest operational single site solar power plants (see 1.17 GW Sweihan Solar Project Energized).