Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has received three competitive proposals from leading industry consortia for the development of the Taweelah C Independent Power Producer (IPP) project, marking a significant step forward in advancing Abu Dhabi’s energy infrastructure and clean energy goals.
These proposals come 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 kilometers North-East of the city of Abu Dhabi.
EWEC is leading the decarbonization 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 program, the project is expected to contribute to Emiratization 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 that, “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.”
As the UAE advances in clean energy, Taweelah C will enhance grid stability by combining efficiency and flexibility. Its agile generation supports large-scale solar integration while ensuring reliable power delivery.
The Taweelah C 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 embodies EWEC’s long-term vision to modernize the nation’s energy infrastructure, drive economic growth, create high-skilled jobs, and support national sustainability targets. With a capacity of 2.5 gigawatts, the plant is slated to begin commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 2028. The awarding announcement and Power Purchase Agreement signing are expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
