Bids Invited For 1.5 GW AC Solar Plant In Abu Dhabi

• EWEC has opened EOI round for its 1.5 GW AC Al Ajban Solar Park project in Abu Dhabi
• The Abu Dhabi government will be the majority stakeholder in the project, and selected developer will hold up to 40% share
• Power generated will be contracted under a long term PPA with EWEC that will pay only for the net electrical energy supplied

UAE utility Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has launched an expression of interest (EOI) from interested developers for 1.5 GW AC solar power plant to be developed in the Ajban region of Abu Dhabi.

It is expected for the independent power project to generate enough electricity for close to 160,000 homes across the UAE. Al Ajban is the 3^rd large scale utility scale solar project developed by EWEC, the single buyer of power and water capacity and output in Abu Dhabi.

Selected company will be expected to carry out a broad range of work right from development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance (O&M) along with owing up to 40% stake in the plant. Remaining stake will be held indirectly by the Abu Dhabi government.

On completion, the project will be tied under a long term power purchase agreement (PPA) with EWEC. The utility explained, the PPA will be structured as an energy purchase agreement wherein it will pay only for the net electrical energy supplied.

Last date to submit EOIs is May 27, 2022. Shortlisted companies will move to request for qualifications (RFQ) round. Details of the EOI are available on EWEC's website.    

EWEC called the Al Ajban Solar PV the 3^rd large scale utility solar PV project it has developed with the previous 2 being 1.17 GW Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Plant at Sweihan that's already operational, and 2 GW Al Dhafra project developed by Masdar, EDF and JinkoPower consortium. The latter is scheduled for commissioning in H2/2022 (see 2 GW Abu Dhabi Solar Project Partners Announced).