Taqa and Ewec Secures 24-Year Power Deal for 1GW Gas Turbine Project in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) has signed a long-term 24-year power purchase agreement with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) to develop and operate a cutting-edge one-gigawatt open-cycle gas turbine project in Al Dhafra. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s commitment to advancing its energy infrastructure and integrating innovative technologies.

Taqa and Ewec Secures 24-Year Power Deal for 1GW Gas Turbine Project in Abu Dhabi

Taqa’s Role in Power Generation and Distribution

Taqa will fully own and oversee the plant’s operations and maintenance, ensuring efficient energy production. Additionally, its subsidiary, Taqa Transmission, will be responsible for constructing the grid connections necessary to distribute the power across the network.

Open-cycle gas turbines are primarily used for short-term power generation, catering to peak electricity demands rather than continuous operation. This project will play a crucial role in balancing the UAE’s growing energy needs while maintaining grid stability.

Supporting the UAE’s Renewable Energy Vision

The newly announced gas turbine project will complement the UAE’s ambitious $6 billion “round-the-clock” renewable energy facility. Led by Masdar, this initiative combines 5 gigawatts of solar energy capacity with a massive 19-gigawatt-hour battery storage system to provide 1 gigawatt of sustainable power.

As part of a larger collaboration between Ewec, Taqa, and Masdar, the investment in Abu Dhabi’s energy sector will amount to approximately Dh36 billion ($9.8 billion). About 75% of this funding is allocated to renewable and conventional power generation, while 25% will go toward expanding grid infrastructure.

Jasim Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director of Taqa, emphasized the importance of reliable, low-carbon power in the global transition to sustainable energy.

Abu Dhabi’s Expanding Energy Portfolio

Currently, Ewec supplies more than 55% of Abu Dhabi’s power through renewable and clean energy sources. The company aims to increase this to 60% by 2035 to support the nation’s sustainability goals.

According to Ewec, there is a pressing demand for an additional 5.1 gigawatts of gas capacity in the emirate to ensure smooth integration of renewable energy sources and provide flexibility during peak consumption periods.

To meet this requirement, plans include:

• 2.6 gigawatts of flexible and cost-effective open-cycle gas turbine capacity (expected by 2027)
• 2.5 gigawatts of combined-cycle gas turbine capacity (expected by 2028)

Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of Ewec, highlighted how this collaboration sets a new benchmark for sustainable energy systems by integrating next-generation renewable technologies and advanced transmission solutions.

UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050: A Vision for the Future

Under the revised UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the country plans to invest between Dh150 billion and Dh200 billion by 2030 to meet rising energy demand while ensuring economic growth.

Key projects in the pipeline include:

• The 1.8-gigawatt sixth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park
• The second phase of Dubai’s waste-to-energy project
• Two large-scale photovoltaic projects in Abu Dhabi:

1. 1.5-gigawatt Al Ajban plant
2. 1.5-gigawatt Al Khazna project

Masdar, the UAE’s renewable energy powerhouse, has set a bold target of achieving 100 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, a significant leap from its current 20-gigawatt capacity.

Conclusion

Taqa’s new gas turbine project represents a critical step toward strengthening Abu Dhabi’s energy landscape while aligning with the UAE’s broader sustainability goals. By leveraging advanced technology and fostering strategic partnerships, the UAE is setting a global example in energy transition and infrastructure development.

With continued investments in both renewable and conventional power, the nation is well-positioned to meet its growing energy demands while reinforcing its commitment to a greener future.