Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has announced the award of the Taweelah C Independent Power Producer (IPP) project in Abu Dhabi, a 2.6-gigawatt Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant designed with future carbon capture readiness.
The project has been awarded to Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) in partnership with an international consortium comprising Aljomaih Energy and Water Company and Sembcorp Industries.
Following the award, EWEC signed a power purchase agreement with the consortium, extending until 2050. Under the agreement, EWEC will act as the sole procurer of electricity, purchasing net electrical output from the plant.
TAQA, as the majority local shareholder, will hold a 60 percent stake in the project, while the consortium will hold the remaining 40 percent. In the operations and maintenance structure, TAQA will hold a 40 percent stake, while the consortium will hold a combined 60 percent.
Mohamed Almarzooqi, Chief Assets Officer of EWEC, said that the project represents a key milestone in the company’s long-term strategy to balance decarbonization with energy security.
Almarzooqi noted that Taweelah C will support the expansion of renewable energy capacity, including the UAE’s target of more than 30GW of solar PV by 2035, while delivering cost-efficient and flexible power generation.
Dr. Frank Possmeier, Chief Investment Officer at TAQA Generation, emphasized that the project strengthens TAQA’s low-carbon generation portfolio and supports its long-term capacity expansion strategy.
Possmeier added that flexible gas-based generation will continue to play an important role in integrating renewable energy and supporting the UAE’s net-zero objectives.
Adnan Abdulhadi Buhuligah, Chief Executive Officer of Aljomaih Energy and Water Company, commented that the project reinforces the company’s regional expansion strategy and its commitment to delivering efficient and reliable energy infrastructure in partnership with leading utilities.
Koh Chiap Khiong, President and CEO of Gas and Related Services at Sembcorp, highlighted that the project reflects the company’s long-term commitment to supporting the UAE’s energy transition through strategic partnerships and disciplined execution.
The Taweelah C plant will be developed using high-efficiency H-class turbines provided by Siemens Energy and is designed to support grid stability while enabling greater integration of renewable energy into Abu Dhabi’s power system.
The project is also expected to contribute to Emiratisation goals through the inclusion of UAE nationals in key operational roles. Commercial operations are expected to begin in 2029.
