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Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) has recently issued a request for proposals (RFPs) for the 1,500MW Khazna Solar Photovoltaic (PV) project in Abu Dhabi. This project is a crucial part of Ewec’s mission to transition to sustainable and low-carbon electricity generation in the UAE.

Following a qualification process that began in September last year, 19 companies and consortiums have been selected to participate in the RFP stage out of the 27 that initially submitted expressions of interest. The RFP outlines detailed requirements and technical parameters for the project to guide the development of submissions.

Ewec CEO, Othman Al Ali, emphasized the significance of solar PV development in decarbonizing the UAE’s electricity supply. The Khazna Solar PV project is a key milestone in Ewec’s plan to increase solar PV capacity to support the UAE’s transition to a sustainable future in alignment with the Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

The Khazna Solar PV project, together with other solar projects like Noor Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra Solar PV, and Al Ajban Solar PV, will contribute to Ewec’s goal of producing nearly 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Once operational, Khazna Solar PV alone is expected to generate electricity for approximately 160,000 homes and reduce CO2 emissions by over 2.4 million metric tonnes per year.

The scope of work for the selected developer or consortium will include the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the plant and associated infrastructure. The developer will hold up to 40% ownership, with the remaining equity indirectly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government.

As part of the agreement, the developer will enter into a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Ewec, ensuring a sustainable and reliable source of electricity for Abu Dhabi. Responses to the RFP are anticipated in the third quarter of 2024, marking a significant step towards achieving Ewec’s renewable energy targets and contributing to a cleaner, greener energy landscape in the UAE.