Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) is seeking tenders for an Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) power plant which will provide up to 1.5 gigawatts (AC) of backup generation and can be operational at very short notice.

The OCGT power plant is located in Madinat Zayed, approximately 120 kilometres southwest of Abu Dhabi City. It is scheduled to commence its operations in the third quarter of 2027.

Complying with EWEC’s clean energy goals, Madinat Zayed, a gas-fired power plant, is key to ensuring a reliable energy supply while the country transitions to a decarbonised water and electricity system.

These power plants are important for supporting the growth of solar power, providing crucial flexibility during peak power demand periods and acting as a bridge to a future powered exclusively by clean and renewable sources.

Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, said: “Commissioning the development of flexible, gas-fired plants will enable us to incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar PV and wind into the nation’s sustainable energy mix even more rapidly. Natural gas has an important, transitional role to play in securing our system while we work towards a more sustainable future.

He further added, “As we move forward with the Madinat Zayed project, we look forward to receiving proposals from qualified companies and consortiums.”

Abu Dhabi’s IPP venture

The Madinat Zayed project will closely follow the model of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s successful Independent Power Producer (IPP) programme, where developers enter into a long-term agreement with EWEC as the sole procurer.

In addition to that, it will involve the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the plant, with the successful developer or developer consortium owning up to 40 per cent of the entity. The remaining equity will be held indirectly by the Abu Dhabi Government.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of the Madinat Zayed IPP is distributed to bidders and provides detailed requirements and technical specifications for the project assisting firms and consortiums in crafting their proposals.

Submissions in response to the RFP are expected in Q4 2024.

Read More: