Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has awarded the contract for the Taweelah C project to a consortium led by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), alongside Saudi group Aljomaih Energy and Water Company and China’s Sembcorp Industries. Located in Abu Dhabi, the Independent Power Producer (IPP) development will feature a 2.6 gigawatt (GW) Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant. The facility is being designed with the capability to potentially incorporate carbon capture technologies in the future.
Following the contract award, EWEC and the project partners signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that will remain in effect through to 2050. Under the arrangement, EWEC will serve as the sole purchaser of electricity generated by the plant, acquiring the net electrical energy produced by the facility. Taqa will hold a 60 per cent ownership stake in the Taweelah C project as the local and majority shareholder, while the international consortium will own the remaining 40 per cent.
Commenting on the award, Mohamed Almarzooqi, Chief Assets Officer, said, “As EWEC transforms the UAE’s energy sector through our strategically planned, comprehensive approach that balances rapid decarbonisation with the security of supply, Taweelah C represents a key milestone in our long-term strategic roadmap. The project serves as a bridge that empowers us to accelerate our world-leading renewable energy capacity, expected to exceed 30GW of solar PV by 2035.”
“Taweelah C also delivers sustainability and cost benefits, with one of the region’s lowest capital expenditure rates per kilowatt-hour and the lowest levelised cost of electricity. This advanced transitional infrastructure enables us to accelerate our decarbonisation timeline while continuing to deliver the electricity powering Abu Dhabi and the nation’s economic growth and prosperity. We are pleased to be working with Taqa, Aljomaih Energy and Water Company, and Sembcorp Industries to advance this important project,” he further added.
Under the terms of the agreement, Taqa will also own a 40 per cent share of the operations and maintenance (O&M) company, while the international consortium will hold 60 per cent. Responsibility for the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the facility will be shared by Taqa and its consortium partners under Abu Dhabi’s established IPP programme.
Dr. Frank Possmeier, Chief Investment Officer, Taqa Generation, said, “Taweelah C is a key addition to our low-carbon power and water portfolio in Abu Dhabi as we accelerate execution of our growth strategy to reach 150GW of power capacity internationally by 2030. Flexible and baseload gas-powered generation will make up to 50GW of our 150GW target in our 2030 portfolio, and it will continue to play a critical role in supporting the integration of renewables and advancing the UAE’s net-zero aspirations.”
Adnan Abdulhadi Buhuligah, Chief Executive Officer of Aljomaih Energy and Water Company, said, “Our partnership with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) reflects our commitment to working with leading institutions to deliver reliable, efficient, and future-ready power infrastructure continuing to support the broader transition taking place across the region.”
Koh Chiap Khiong, President & CEO, Gas and Related Services, Sembcorp Industries, said, “The Taweelah C project underscores Sembcorp’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s energy transition through long-term partnerships and disciplined project execution. This project builds on our strong track record in the region and our successful partnership with Taqa on the Fujairah 1 Independent Water and Power Plant, which has operated reliably for more than two decades in support of the UAE’s power and water needs.”
