The carbon-capture-ready project will primarily provide transitional capacity to support large-scale renewable energy integration and provide flexibility during periods of peak power demand
The plant is expected to begin commercial operations in Q4 2028
EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company), a leading company in the integrated planning, purchasing, supply, and system despatch services of water and electricity across the UAE, has received three proposals for the development of the Taweelah C Independent Power Producer (IPP) project from a consortium comprised of Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company and Sembcorp Industries, a consortium consisting of Sumitomo Corporation, Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation, and Korean Midland Power, and a consortium comprised of Korea Western Power Company, Etihad Water and Electricity, and Kyuden International.
The new carbon-capture-ready Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant will be located in the Al Taweelah Power and Desalination Complex, approximately 50 kilometres North-East of the city of Abu Dhabi.
EWEC is leading the decarbonisation of Abu Dhabi's electricity and water supply, driving the UAE's net-zero transition through the diversification of energy sources and the development of carbon-capture-ready, high-efficiency, transitional power assets such as Taweelah C that will facilitate the integration of increasing amounts of renewable energy, and ensure energy security. In addition, as part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s successful IPP programme, the project is expected to contribute to Emiratisation targets by supporting the inclusion of UAE Nationals across key roles, thereby supporting national workforce development goals.
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Asset Development & Management Officer of EWEC, said: “As the UAE transitions to a clean energy future, gas-fired plants like Taweelah C are integral to maintaining energy security. High-efficiency natural gas facilities provide the necessary reliability and flexibility to support the increasing integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid, in addition to assistance during peak demand periods. By 2030, we forecast that over half of Abu Dhabi's electricity capacity will be provided from renewable and clean energy sources. We are pleased to have received competitive bids that will make Taweelah C one of the most operationally efficient and lowest tariff CCGT projects in the region, utilising state of the art AI and digital twin technologies with real-time data to optimise energy production, and be carbon-capture-ready. We will now move forward with our evaluation process.”
As the UAE makes significant strides in clean energy adoption, energy-efficient projects such as Taweelah C will play a crucial role in enhancing grid stability. Taweelah C will serve as a critical transitional asset, combining energy efficiency and operational agility to maintain system resilience. Its flexible generation capabilities will support the large-scale integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar power, while ensuring consistent, reliable power delivery. The project reflects EWEC’s broader strategy to deliver 10GW of installed solar PV capacity by 2030 and 18GW by 2035, contributing to collective efforts to achieve the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s (DoE) Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035 for Electricity Production in Abu Dhabi and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
The Taweelah C project reflects EWEC’s long-term strategy to transform the nation’s energy infrastructure while fostering economic development, creating high-skilled jobs, and contributing to national sustainability goals. The plant will have a capacity of 2.5 gigawatts and is expected to achieve commercial operations in Q4 2028. The awarding announcement and the execution of the Power Purchase Agreement are expected to take place in Q4 2025.
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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, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy. For more information, please visit www.ewec.ae.
