The selected developer or consortium will be responsible for the plant’s development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and ownership. Credit: vvaldmann/Shutterstock.

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has initiated bidding for the development of the Zarraf Solar PV independent power producer (IPP) project. 

This request for proposals (RFP) aligns with the strategic goal to enhance Abu Dhabi’s solar capacity to at least 10GW by 2030. 

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Situated in the Al Zarraf area of the Al Dhafra Region, the Zarraf Solar PV project has a planned capacity of 1,500MW.  

It is expected to supply electricity to around 160,000 homes and reduce carbon emissions by up to 2.4 million tonnes annually.  

This project will also contribute 5% towards EWEC’s anticipated 36% reduction in power emissions intensity by 2030, compared with current levels. 

Zarraf Solar PV will be the fifth world-class, utility-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) project for both EWEC and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), making a substantial contribution to EWEC’s strategic plan to boost Abu Dhabi’s solar power capacity to a minimum of 10GW (AC) by 2030, the power company said.  

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In line with the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Strategic Target, the emirate aims to fulfil 60% of its total power demand through renewable and clean energy sources by 2035. 

The RFP process follows an expression of interest stage completed in October 2024.  

Out of 20 applicants, 16 companies and consortiums have qualified to bid for this project.  

The RFP outlines detailed requirements and technical specifications to aid potential developers in their proposals. 

The selected developer or consortium will be responsible for the plant’s development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and ownership.  

They will hold up to a 40% stake in the entity, with the remaining equity indirectly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. 

EWEC CEO Othman Al Ali said: “Zarraf Solar PV is a further example of EWEC’s sharp focus on commissioning the development of world-leading projects as a strategic pillar in our plans to decarbonise the energy sector in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.  

“Solar power generation represents a cost-effective, sustainable and transformative option that accelerates the UAE’s energy transition.” 

Under a long-term power purchase agreement with EWEC, the developer will be compensated solely for the net electrical energy supplied by the plant.  

Responses to the RFP are expected by the second quarter of 2025, followed by a public event to announce the submitting parties. 

Last month, EWEC received approval to develop four new renewable energy sites in Abu Dhabi, spanning approximately 75km², which will host solar PV and wind energy projects.