Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has issued a tender for the construction and development of a new 2000 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power project to be located in Al Dhafra region in Abu Dhabi.

Once completed, the 20 sq. km project site can provide double the capacity of the current largest operational solar PV plant in the world, in Noor Abu Dhabi, which began commercial operations last month.

Scheduled to start operations in the first quarter of 2022, EWEC said that it would take Abu Dhabi’s solar capacity to 3200 MW.

On the announcement, Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC commented that: “The new solar project in Al Dhafra marks yet another milestone in EWEC’s commitment to the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to increase the contribution of clean energy as part the country’s overall energy mix.”

“The strong interest expressed so far illustrates the attractive business model and reaffirms the strong case for investment in UAE’s renewable energy sector.”

EWEC noted that this follows its receipt, from earlier this year of 48 Expression of Interests (EOIs) from leading international and local developers. This is in line with the successful Independent Water and Power Producer (IWPP) program launched by the Abu Dhabi government in 1998, wherein successful bidders would hold a 40 per cent equity participation in the project, with the remaining stake held by local entities, it added.

The sole procurer of water and electricity within the Abu Dhabi emirate, EWEC added that it is committed to identifying opportunities for the development of power and water generation facilities, with a focus on sustainability and renewable technologies.