Solar capacity of more than 35GW, battery storage, and reverse osmosis desalination to drive down emissions from water and power production
EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company), a leading company in the integrated coordination of planning, purchasing, supply, and system despatch services of water and electricity across the UAE, today marked Zero Emissions Day by outlining its long-term outlook for a larger, cleaner and more efficient water and power system, building on the profound progress achieved to date.
Observed each year on 21 September, Zero Emissions Day calls on individuals and organisations to set aside a single day without emissions from energy use and to make greater use of renewable energy. EWEC systematically advances that objective throughout the year, via long-term planning and the procurement of renewable energy and low-carbon-intensive water capacity.
Based on EWEC's latest long-term system planning, total carbon emissions from power and water production are forecast to fall by over 45 per cent, from approximately 42 million tonnes in 2019 to approximately 23 million tonnes in 2035. The reduction is expected even as annual electricity demand is forecast to rise by around 70 per cent between 2026 and 2033.
Mohamed Almarzooqi, Chief Assets Officer of EWEC, said: "EWEC’s strategic planning ensures that our water and energy infrastructure expands substantially to power economic growth, even as total carbon emissions significantly decline. We are actively procuring the utility-scale solar photovoltaic, battery storage and reverse osmosis desalination capacity required to deliver this outcome, structurally reducing the reliance of the system on gas-fired generation. Through this transformation, EWEC is enabling the UAE and Abu Dhabi to build a highly diversified, resilient, and low-carbon system that seamlessly meets rising demand while strengthening water and energy security."
The unprecedented expansion of renewable energy and the shift to reverse osmosis (RO) desalination are the principal drivers of this emissions reduction. EWEC is actively scaling Abu Dhabi's solar capacity to 14 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and more than 35GW by 2035, supported by the deployment of up to 15GW of battery storage capacity. As this advanced capacity is commissioned, the contribution of gas-fired generation, which provides the flexibility needed to firm intermittent renewable output, is expected to decline. Within water production, the RO portfolio of EWEC is forecast to account for more than 95 per cent of total water production by 2035, contributing significantly to the reduction in emissions.
World Zero Emissions Day highlights the imperative for continuous, strategic action to decarbonise global energy systems. Through integrated planning, strategic procurement, and efficient system operations, EWEC is meeting rising demand while lowering emissions. Together, these efforts advance the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035 for Electricity Production in Abu Dhabi and directly support the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategy.
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About Emirates Water and Electricity Company
EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) is the sole procurer and supplier of water and electricity in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. EWEC drives the planning, forecasting, purchasing, and system despatch services of water and electricity. EWEC fulfils these vital responsibilities through the short-term and long-term balancing of bulk supply and demand for distribution companies and authorities in Abu Dhabi and other Emirates. EWEC is supporting the government of Abu Dhabi and the government of the UAE by enabling the reduction of cost whilst also providing the increased security of supply that comes from a cleaner, larger, and more integrated system.
EWEC is mandated to implement strategic initiatives that will achieve the 60 per cent clean energy target outlined in the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy's (DoE) Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035 for Electricity Production in Abu Dhabi, in addition to enabling the achievement of UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, UAE Energy Strategy by 2050, and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. EWEC is accelerating Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s energy transition by diversifying the country’s energy mix through developing and deploying renewable and clean energy as well as low-carbon intensive water desalination capacities. EWEC is part of ADQ, an active sovereign investor focusing on critical infrastructure and global supply chains. For more information, please visit: www.ewec.ae.
