5:02 am - February 16, 2026
The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has opened registrations for its first-quarter 2026 auction of Clean Energy Certificates, reflecting a growing shift towards verified commitments in Abu Dhabi’s fight against climate change.
Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has officially opened registrations for its first-quarter 2026 auction of Clean Energy Certificates (CECs). Bidding will be open until January 9, 2026. According to the initial report, this sale is organized to keep up with the rising demand from businesses, institutions, and individuals in Abu Dhabi who want verified proof that their electricity consumption comes from renewable or other clean energy sources.
EWEC mentioned that it acts as the sole registrant and operator of the auction for this scheme, which issues certificates in units of 1 megawatt-hour (MWh). These CECs are issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and, as EWEC stated, they comply with the International Renewable Energy Certificate Standard (I-REC Standard). Because they are the only accredited instrument in the emirate, these certificates are seen as the official way for organizations to document reductions in Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions and to demonstrate their climate leadership.
Interest from industry players has been quite broad and is definitely picking up. Recent auction data show growing enthusiasm across sectors like healthcare, industry, retail, real estate, events, and commercial activities. EWEC noted that CEC sales in 2025 reached some of the highest levels since the scheme was launched. This, it claims, signals a clear shift from mere aspiration to real action among Abu Dhabi organizations working toward decarbonization goals.
Mohammed Almarzooqi, who is the Chief Asset Development and Management Officer at EWEC, described this trend as evidence of an “evident transition” in how businesses approach emissions reductions. The original report highlighted that these certificates offer a transparent, internationally recognized way to track progress on sustainability commitments and help align with the UAE’s strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
The CEC mechanism has two main objectives that work together. First, it creates a market-based, verifiable claim that the electricity used is matched by generation from renewable or clean sources. Second, it produces a tradable asset, allowing buyers to move beyond just pledges and toward measurable results. EWEC framed the auction as a tool to assist entities in reducing Scope 2 emissions and to highlight their contributions to national climate targets.
In recent years, the scheme has also diversified. EWEC previously introduced wind-generated CECs, thereby broadening the scope of renewable technologies available in the market. Industry watchers suggest that expanding the variety of certificates backed by different generation types helps large buyers tailor their procurement strategies to specific decarbonization plans and energy supply profiles.
The auction history features some impressive transactions. One notable example is the Abu Dhabi Media Office’s report that EWEC and Zero Two completed the emirate’s largest single purchase of CECs, covering 7.3 million MWh of clean energy. EWEC confirmed that this deal was carried out through its auction process, with top executives signing off on the purchase. It really underlines how institutional buyers are now engaging on a significant scale in certificate markets to secure long-term, verifiable environmental benefits.
Smaller buyers, like event organizers or retail operators, also have access to periodic auctions that provide the same standard of verification, matching the standards used by larger corporations. EWEC encourages a broad participation, saying the system is open to companies, institutions, and even individuals who want to document their clean energy use.
Of course, despite this momentum, experts caution that buying certificates is only one piece of the decarbonization puzzle. Industry data indicate that claims based solely on certificates need to be supported by broader measures such as improving energy efficiency, directly purchasing zero-carbon power, or securing long-term power purchase agreements. Without these additional steps, the overall impact on reductions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions might fall short. Some practitioners believe certificates are most effective when they supplement, rather than replace, efforts to physically decarbonize energy supplies.
EWEC, on its part, insists that their CEC framework aligns with international best practices and offers a standardized way to recognize and account for the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy. They stressed that these certificates are the only recognized way in Abu Dhabi to prove ownership of such benefits, and that the auction process is designed to be transparent and accessible.
Registration for the Q1 2026 auction is open until January 9, 2026. Interested parties can sign up through EWEC’s dedicated web portal or get in touch with the company’s Clean Energy Certificates team by email. EWEC pointed out that these auctions are part of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to expand verified clean energy consumption across all sectors.
As Abu Dhabi continues to diversify its generation mix and more businesses seek verified clean energy, the certificates market is likely to stay a key tool for demonstrating progress and meeting decarbonization targets. Whether purchases will actually accelerate the deployment of new renewable capacity depends heavily on how governments, utilities, and buyers link market mechanisms with investments in new clean generation and grid infrastructure. For now, though, these auctions provide a clear and internationally aligned way for organizations in the emirate to claim the environmental benefits of clean electricity.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.aletihad.ae/news/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A/4629221/-%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%87-%D9%88%D9%83%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA—%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B3%D8%AC%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A8%D9%85%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84-%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AF – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.aletihad.ae/news/الاقتصادي/4629221/-%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%88%D9%83%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA—%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B3%D8%AC%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A8%D9%85%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84-%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%AF – Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has announced the opening of registration for its Q1 2026 Clean Energy Certificates (CECs) auction, which will conclude on 9th January 2026. This initiative reflects the growing interest in Abu Dhabi’s economic development and the increasing adoption of clean energy sources. CECs, issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, serve as the only accredited tool in the emirate to verify that electricity consumption originates from renewable or clean energy sources. They enable entities to reduce Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrate leadership in climate action, aligning with national objectives. In 2025, CEC auctions attracted significant interest from various sectors, including healthcare, industry, retail, real estate, events, and commercial industries, indicating a sustained shift towards verified renewable and clean energy consumption. Mohammed Almarzooqi, Chief Asset Development and Management Officer at EWEC, highlighted that the continued growth in CEC usage reflects how organisations across Abu Dhabi are turning decarbonisation plans into verified outcomes. CECs are issued in units of 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) and conform to the International Renewable Energy Certificate Standard (I-REC Standard). To participate in the auction, interested parties can visit EWEC’s website or contact their Clean Energy Certificates team directly.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/ewec-strengthens-abu-dhabis-clean-energy-future-with-q1-2025-clean-energy-certificates-auction-oj2yrao1 – Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has announced the opening of registration for its Q1 2025 Clean Energy Certificates (CECs) auction, scheduled to close on 14th March 2025. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s Year of Community 2025 goals, aiming to unlock the potential of individuals, families, and organisations to ensure a sustainable future. CECs empower entities to take measurable action to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s collective environmental well-being. Francois Brice, Executive Director of Commercial and Fuel Management at EWEC, stated that the increasing demand for CECs reflects the growing interest across Abu Dhabi in sustainability and emissions reduction. In 2024, EWEC made significant strides in expanding the adoption of clean energy across Abu Dhabi, including the introduction of wind-generated CECs. To participate in the auction, interested parties can visit EWEC’s website or contact their Clean Energy Certificates team directly.
- https://www.eyeofriyadh.com/news/details/ewec-opens-q2-2025-clean-energy-certifications-auction – Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has announced the opening of registration for its Q2 2025 Clean Energy Certificates (CECs) auction, scheduled to close on 13th June 2025. CECs, issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), certify that the electricity consumed by redeeming organisations originates from a renewable or clean energy source, supporting companies and consumers in verifying and reducing their scope 2 emissions. EWEC acts as the Single Registrant and Auction Operator for the CEC scheme, which conforms to the internationally recognised standard developed by the International Renewable Energy Certificate Standard Foundation (I-REC Standard). CECs are issued by the DoE in units of 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) and are the only accredited instrument that proves the ownership of the environmental and economic benefits of consuming clean energy.
- https://www.tradearabia.com/News/OGN/331393/Ewec-opens-registration-for-Q1-clean-energy-certificates-auction/OGN – Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has announced the opening of registration for its Q1 2026 Clean Energy Certificates (CECs) auction, scheduled to close on 9th January 2026. The Q1 auction follows sustained growth in participation across Abu Dhabi’s economy, as businesses, organisations, and individuals increasingly use CECs, issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, to verify that their electricity consumption is sourced from renewable or clean sources. As the emirate’s only accredited instrument for claiming renewable and clean energy use, CECs enable entities to make measurable progress in reducing Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions while demonstrating climate leadership aligned with national objectives. In 2025, CEC auctions attracted robust interest across healthcare, industrial, retail, real estate, events, and commercial sectors. CEC sales reached some of the most substantial levels seen since the scheme’s launch, underscoring a sustained shift toward verified renewable and clean energy consumption. Mohammed Almarzooqi, Chief Asset Development and Management Officer of EWEC, said that the continued growth in Clean Energy Certificates usage reflects how organisations across Abu Dhabi are turning decarbonisation plans into verified outcomes. CECs provide a transparent, internationally recognised pathway to renewable and clean energy adoption, enabling companies and institutions to credibly track progress against sustainability goals, reduce Scope 2 emissions, and align with the UAE Net Zero By 2050 Strategic Initiative. CECs are the only accredited instrument in Abu Dhabi verifying the environmental and economic benefits of consuming clean energy. Issued in units of 1 megawatt-hour (MWh), CECs conform to the internationally recognised International Renewable Energy Certificate Standard (I-REC Standard). EWEC acts as the scheme’s Single Registrant and Auction Operator. To participate in the CEC auction, please visit https://ewec.ae/cleanenergycertificates or contact EWEC’s Clean Energy Certificates team at [email protected].
- https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/278748958/registration-for-q1-2026-clean-energy-certificates-auction-opened – Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has announced the opening of registration for its Q1 2026 Clean Energy Certificates (CECs) auction, scheduled to close on 9th January 2026. The Q1 auction follows sustained growth in participation across Abu Dhabi’s economy, as businesses, organisations, and individuals increasingly use CECs, issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, to verify that their electricity consumption is sourced from renewable or clean sources. As the emirate’s only accredited instrument for claiming renewable and clean energy use, CECs enable entities to make measurable progress in reducing Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions while demonstrating climate leadership aligned with national objectives. In 2025, CEC auctions attracted robust interest across healthcare, industrial, retail, real estate, events, and commercial sectors. CEC sales reached some of the most substantial levels seen since the scheme’s launch, underscoring a sustained shift toward verified renewable and clean energy consumption. Mohammed Almarzooqi, Chief Asset Development and Management Officer of EWEC, said that the continued growth in Clean Energy Certificates usage reflects how organisations across Abu Dhabi are turning decarbonisation plans into verified outcomes. CECs provide a transparent, internationally recognised pathway to renewable and clean energy adoption, enabling companies and institutions to credibly track progress against sustainability goals, reduce Scope 2 emissions, and align with the UAE Net Zero By 2050 Strategic Initiative. CECs are the only accredited instrument in Abu Dhabi verifying the environmental and economic benefits of consuming clean energy. Issued in units of 1 megawatt-hour (MWh), CECs conform to the internationally recognised International Renewable Energy Certificate Standard (I-REC Standard). EWEC acts as the scheme’s Single Registrant and Auction Operator. To participate in the CEC auction, please visit https://ewec.ae/cleanenergycertificates or contact EWEC’s Clean Energy Certificates team at [email protected].
- https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/energy/emirates-water-and-electricity-company-and-zero-two-complete-abu-dhabis-largest-single-purchase-of-clean-energy-certificates/ – Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) and Zero Two, a leading digital assets infrastructure development company based in Abu Dhabi, have jointly completed the largest single purchase of Clean Energy Certificates (CECs) in Abu Dhabi, covering 7.3 million megawatt-hours of clean energy. The purchase agreement was signed by Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, and Ahmed Al Hameli, Chief Executive Officer of Zero Two. The CECs were purchased through EWEC’s CECs auction process and represent not…
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
✅ The narrative is current, with registration for the Q1 2026 Clean Energy Certificates auction opening on 11 December 2025 and closing on 9 January 2026. ([gulfindustryonline.com](https://gulfindustryonline.com/ArticleTA/331393?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
✅ No direct quotes are present in the provided text, indicating original content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
✅ The narrative originates from Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), a reputable organisation responsible for water and electricity services in the UAE. ([gulfindustryonline.com](https://gulfindustryonline.com/ArticleTA/331393?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
✅ The claims are plausible and align with EWEC’s known activities and the UAE’s sustainability initiatives. ([gulfindustryonline.com](https://gulfindustryonline.com/ArticleTA/331393?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
✅ The narrative is fresh, originating directly from EWEC, and presents plausible information consistent with the organisation’s known activities and the UAE’s sustainability goals.
