Power Grid

A consortium of three international companies has secured the development of a large-scale solar power plant in the UAE, boasting a capacity of up to 1.5 gigawatts. This initiative aligns with the Abu Dhabi government's commitment to sourcing 32% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), known for its leadership in integrated planning and procurement, has awarded the Al Ajban Solar Power Plant project to a consortium comprising EDF Renewable Energy (EDF), Korea Western Power (KOWEPO), and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) as a local shareholder.

As reported by the Washington-based Specialized Energy Platform, EWEC has signed a power purchase agreement with partners involved in the project, marking a significant milestone in the development of the UAE's most advanced solar power plant.

Located in Al Ajban, approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Abu Dhabi, the Al Ajban Solar Power Plant will be designed, financed, built, and operated by the winning consortium. Once operational in the third quarter of 2026, the plant is expected to power 160,000 homes across the UAE and reduce Abu Dhabi's carbon dioxide emissions by over 2.4 million tonnes annually.

This project underscores the UAE's commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. With the completion of this project, the UAE will host four of the world's largest independent solar power plants, positioning the country as a leader in renewable energy adoption and sustainable development.