TAQA partners with EWEC to advance UAE’s energy infrastructure and sustainability goals

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), a major integrated utility company operating across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, has entered a significant partnership with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). This collaboration aims to develop new energy infrastructure projects that align with the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and target the nation’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative.

As part of this endeavour, TAQA has signed a 24-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EWEC for the construction, ownership, and operation of the 1-gigawatt (GW) Al Dhafra Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) project. TAQA will maintain full ownership of the project and will also manage the operation and maintenance of the facility. In addition, TAQA’s subsidiary, Taqa Transmission, is set to develop an advanced power grid infrastructure designed to seamlessly integrate this new generation capacity into the UAE’s electricity network.

This initiative comes on the heels of a recently announced collaboration between EWEC and Masdar, aimed at establishing a world-first project that will enable renewable energy to be dispatched around the clock, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global leader in renewable energy and low-carbon infrastructure. This innovative project will deliver up to 1GW of baseload power daily generated from renewable sources and is anticipated to be the largest combined solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) globally.

In total, this partnership is expected to generate an investment of approximately AED 36 billion in energy supply infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. About 75% of the investment will be directed towards renewable and conventional power generation, while the remaining 25% will fund the expansion of grid infrastructure, which will be integrated into the regulated asset base, thus ensuring a regulated return on such investments.

Jasim Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director of TAQA, who is also Vice Chairman of Masdar, emphasised the company’s commitment to providing reliable low-carbon power. He stated, “Through our expertise in power generation and transmission, and as the largest shareholder in Masdar, TAQA plays a central role in advancing clean energy solutions in the UAE, and we remain committed to ensuring reliable, low-carbon power at all times.”

Moreover, Ahmed Ali Alshamsi, CEO of EWEC, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, saying, “EWEC is pleased to partner with TAQA on transformative initiatives that will not only power the UAE’s AI ambitions but also accelerate the nation’s energy transition.” Alshamsi further highlighted that this collaboration establishes a “future-ready energy framework” integrating next-generation renewable energy technologies and advanced transmission solutions, aiming to set a global benchmark for sustainable energy systems that balance sustainability with operational excellence.

EWEC has made remarkable strides in Abu Dhabi’s energy sector, reportedly supplying over 55% of the emirate’s power demand through renewable and clean energy sources. Additionally, the company is on track to produce more than 92% of water using advanced reverse osmosis technology, with the goal of reducing water production emissions significantly by 2031. This progress underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable utility operations.

Source: Noah Wire Services