Ewec initiates RFPs for major 1,500MW solar project in Abu Dhabi

UAE – The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to 16 pre-qualified companies for the development of the Zarraf Solar PV Independent Power Producer (IPP) project in Abu Dhabi.

Situated in the Al Zarraf area of the Al Dhafra Region, the greenfield project marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s transition toward clean energy.

The Zarraf Solar PV plant is set to generate 1,500MW (AC), providing enough energy to power approximately 160,000 homes while cutting CO2 emissions by up to 2.4 million metric tonnes annually.

The RFP stage follows the qualification process, which shortlisted 16 bidders from 20 developer or developer consortiums that submitted Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in October last year.

The proposal outlines the project’s detailed requirements and technical specifications, aiding companies and consortiums in preparing their submissions ahead of the Q2 deadline.

The Zarraf Solar project will encompass the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the plant and its supporting infrastructure.

The winning developer or consortium will hold up to a 40% stake in the project, with the remaining equity indirectly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government.

As Abu Dhabi’s fifth large-scale solar PV initiative, Zarraf aligns with the emirate’s strategic goal of expanding its solar power capacity to at least 10GW (AC) by 2030.

Othman Al Ali, CEO of Ewec, highlighted the project’s role in decarbonizing Abu Dhabi’s energy sector, stating, “Solar power generation represents a cost-effective, sustainable, and transformative option that accelerates the UAE’s energy transition.

“I welcome the strong interest in this essential project and look forward to moving to the next stage of development.”

Ewec, the sole buyer of power and water capacity and output in Abu Dhabi, will enter into a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with the winning bidder.

The PPA will be structured as an energy purchase agreement, ensuring payment for net electrical energy supplied by the plant.

This ambitious project underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to clean energy and its broader vision for sustainability and energy security.

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