EWEC sets sights on 7.6GW of solar power
ABU DHABI: Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) is focused on expanding solar energy production in Abu Dhabi, targeting a capacity of 7.6 gigawats (GW) by 2030.
The initiative involves major solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, including the Al Khazna and Al Ajban plants, alongside the Noor Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra solar facilities. These endeavours are set to position Abu Dhabi as home to the world’s four largest independent solar power plants.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines on the World Future
Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, Othman Juma Al Ali, CEO of EWEC, highlighted the company’s pivotal role in advancing solar PV energy capacity in the region. He emphasised that over 50 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s electricity is projected to be sourced from renewable and clean energy by 2030.
Al Ali detailed development plans, highlighting the 1,500-megawat (MW) capacity Al Khazna solar PV project, EWEC’S fourth major solar energy initiative. This project is pivotal for advancing EWEC’S plans to enhance photovoltaic solar energy capabilities from 2027 to 2037 and to play a key role in achieving the country’s transition to a sustainable future, aligning with its strategic initiative for climate neutrality by 2050.
Additionally, the company is progressing on three power stations scheduled for completion between 2028 and 2029, contributing to the transition towards clean and renewable energy sources.
He emphasised the importance of gas-powered stations in ensuring energy security during the transition to clean and renewable energy sources. Gas serves as a crucial transitional fuel, facilitating the Emirates Water and Electricity Company’s efforts to achieve Abu Dhabi’s decarbonization goals by 2035. Additionally, he highlighted the urgent need for an additional 5.1 gigawats of gas capacity to support the integration of renewable energy projects and provide flexibility during peak energy demand.