EWEC Selects TAQA Consortium for 2.6GW Taweelah C Power Plant

The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), based in Abu Dhabi, has designated the Taweelah C Independent Power Producer (IPP) initiative to a consortium spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), in partnership with Aljomaih Energy and Water Company and Sembcorp Industries.

Set to boast a 2.6-gigawatt Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station, the Taweelah C project is engineered to potentially incorporate carbon capture technologies, aligning with the UAE's ambitious energy transition objectives.

Following the project award, a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was formalized by EWEC with the consortium, ensuring EWEC serves as the exclusive purchaser of the generated electricity until 2050.

Under this arrangement, TAQA is slated to possess a 60% stake in the project, while the Aljomaih and Sembcorp consortium will share the remaining 40%. In operations and maintenance, TAQA will control a 40% interest, with the consortium jointly holding 60%.

The consortium is tasked with the facility's design, financing, construction, operational management, and maintenance within Abu Dhabi's independent power producer framework.

EWEC emphasizes that the Taweelah C project is instrumental in maintaining a stable electricity supply while propelling the progression of renewable energy. Forecasts suggest that solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity could surpass 30GW by 2035, with the new power plant aiding the integration of this renewable capacity into the grid.

The initiative is poised to achieve one of the region's most economical capital expenditure rates per kilowatt-hour and a competitive levelised cost of electricity. This project aims to offer flexible, efficient power generation and bolster the UAE's decarbonisation ambitions.

TAQA highlighted that this endeavor will enhance its low-carbon energy and water portfolio as it aims for 150GW of worldwide power generation capacity by 2030, reaffirming that gas-fired generation will remain pivotal in supporting renewable integration and the UAE's net-zero goals.

According to Aljomaih Energy and Water Company, the project is a significant milestone in broadening its regional energy and infrastructure portfolio, while Sembcorp Industries underscored its ongoing commitment to the UAE's energy transition through strategic collaborations.

The Taweelah C facility will employ state-of-the-art H-class gas turbines from Siemens Energy. This high-efficiency technology is designed to reliably supply the Abu Dhabi grid and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources.

Furthermore, the project is expected to support the UAE's Emiratisation goals by opening doors for local nationals in crucial technical and operational roles.

Construction will advance alongside EWEC and the consortium partners, with the expectation of commercial operations commencing in 2029.