Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has issued a request for proposals to developers that expressed interest in developing an independent greenfield 400-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system power project in Abu Dhabi, providing up to 800 megawatt-hours (MWh) of storage capacity.
EWEC will issue the request for proposals to bidders who passed the qualification process following the expression of interest stage that took place in April 2024. A total of 93 companies and consortiums submitted expressions of interest, while 27 companies and consortiums qualified for the proposals stage after submitting statements of qualification. The deadline for sending the bids has been set for Q4 of 2024.
Enhancing Abu Dhabi’s energy network
EWEC is deploying the energy storage system to enhance the flexibility and stability of Abu Dhabi’s energy network. Through this strategic implementation, the company aims to accelerate the energy transition to renewable and clean sources at scale and speed, further supporting the integration of renewable and clean energy capacities in the region.
In addition, the project will contribute to the targets of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy for 2035 and the broader UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and UAE Net Zero by 2050 goals.
“Utility-scale BESS technology will facilitate our rapid integration of increased amounts of renewable energy from solar PV to the system and enable us to operate and manage peak demand more efficiently,” stated Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC.
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Energy supply security
EWEC’s battery energy storage system will provide critical services including frequency response and voltage regulation, reinforcing the security of Abu Dhabi’s energy supply. The system will also support the company’s goal of raising its solar capacity to 7.5 gigawatts by 2030.
This renewable energy growth will also significantly reduce the carbon dioxide intensity of EWEC’s power supply from 330 kilograms per megawatt hour (kg/MWh) in 2019 to an estimated 190 kg/MWh by 2030.
“Through this strategic project, we are strengthening Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s position as leaders of the global energy transition and accelerating the nation’s net-zero goals,” added Al Ali.
The 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 procure. In addition, it will involve the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the storage system and associated infrastructure.
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