Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) issued on Monday a request for proposals for the development of the Madinat Zayed Independent Power Producer (IPP) project, a new open-cycle gas turbine plant located in the Madinat Zayed area, approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Abu Dhabi City.
Expected to begin commercial operations in the third quarter of 2027, the Madinat Zayed project will provide up to 1.5 gigawatts of backup generation, which can be operational at very short notice.
“Natural gas has an important, transitional role to play in securing our system while we work towards a more sustainable future,” stated Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC.
Gas-fired plants lead shift towards renewable energy
In line with EWEC’s renewable and clean energy goals, flexible, gas-fired plants like the Madinat Zayed project are key to ensuring a reliable energy supply while the country transitions to a decarbonized water and electricity system. These plants support the growth of solar power and provide integral flexibility during peak power demand periods. In addition, they facilitate the transition towards clean and renewable energy sources.
“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,” Al Ali added.
Read: UAE’s EWEC issues bids for greenfield 400-megawatt energy system in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s IPP program
The Madinat Zayed project will closely follow the model of Abu Dhabi’s successful Independent Power Producer (IPP) program, where developers enter into a long-term agreement with EWEC as the sole procurer.
In addition, it will involve the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the plant. The successful developer or developer consortium will own up to 40 percent of the entity. Meanwhile, the remaining equity will be held indirectly by the Abu Dhabi government.
The request for proposals provides comprehensive requirements and technical parameters of the project to help firms and consortiums develop their proposals. EWEC will receive the responses in Q4 2024.
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