EWEC Signs Deal for 1.5 GW Al Ajban Solar PV Project with EDF Renewables, KOWEPO and Masdar

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), has announced the awarding of its 1.5 GW (AC) Al Ajban Solar PV Independent Power Project. 

The development of the utility-scale solar power plant was awarded to an international consortium of EDF Renewables, Korea Western Power Company (KOWEPO), and Masdar as the local shareholder. Following the award the project’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed between EWEC and stakeholders. The announcement was made at the World Future Energy Summit.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar, and COP28 President, expressed pride in the UAE's proactive stance, stating, "The UAE is leading by example and matching words with actions in the global effort to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030."

Hamad Al Hammadi, Chairman of EWEC, underlined the importance of the agreement, affirming, "This agreement stands as a testament to the successful ecosystem of world-leading renewable projects in the UAE."

Luc Rémont, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EDF Group, hailed the collaborative effort, emphasizing the company's commitment to combat climate change and support Middle East countries in their energy transition.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar CEO, lauded the partnership's contribution to advancing clean energy solutions in the UAE. “This announcement further strengthens Masdar’s long-standing partnership with EWEC, EDF, and KOWEPO to advance the deployment of clean energy solutions in the UAE. Building on the country’s position as a global leader in the adoption of solar technologies, Al Ajban Solar PV is set to be a world-class project upon completion and will further support the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and the global drive to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 set out in the UAE Consensus,” said Ramahi.

Park Hyung Duck, CEO of KOWEPO, expressed pride in leading the transition to decarbonized energy, emphasizing the collaborative effort's role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future. "This collaboration on the Al Ajban Solar PV project reflects our deep commitment and our determination to shape a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations," said Duck.

The Al Ajban Solar PV project, situated in Al Ajban, 70km northeast of Abu Dhabi, is expected to become operational in Q3 2026. Once completed, it will contribute to powering 160,000 households across the UAE and reduce Abu Dhabi's carbon emissions by 2.4 million metric tonnes per year.

Renewable energy stands as a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's energy transition and sustainability strategy, aligning with the goals outlined in the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.

EWEC aims to provide over 50 percent of Abu Dhabi's electricity from renewable and clean energy sources by 2030, with plans to add 1.4 GW of new solar PV annually between 2027-2037. The project's financial close is anticipated by Q3 2024.