Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has received four proposals from international developers for the Al Nouf 1 independent power producer (IPP) project.

The submissions come from a mix of global consortia and standalone firms, including partnerships led by Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company with Sembcorp Industries and EDF Power Solutions; ENGIE with Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corporation and Korea Western Power Company; and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) with Etihad Water and Electricity. Sumitomo Corporation also submitted an individual bid.

Al Nouf 1 is set to become the UAE’s largest single-site combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant designed to be compatible with carbon capture technologies.

With a planned capacity of up to 3.3 GW, the project will play a critical role in ensuring reliable electricity supply as the country expands its renewable energy portfolio.

The facility will be located within the Al Nouf Complex, a newly designated coastal hub intended to support integrated power generation and water desalination.

The site has been selected for its ability to accommodate advanced reverse osmosis systems alongside energy production, enabling more efficient and lower-carbon operations.

Designed with scalability in mind, the complex is expected to host multiple large-scale projects in the future.

Using AI and digital twins

EWEC said the project will utilise high-efficiency turbines and incorporate advanced digital solutions, including artificial intelligence and digital twin technologies, to optimise performance and enhance operational resilience.

These features are intended to ensure stable output while reducing emissions intensity.

Chief executive Ahmed Ali Alshamsi said strong interest from international developers reflects the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi’s IPP programme and its transparent procurement framework.

He noted that flexible gas-fired capacity remains essential to balancing intermittent renewable energy sources and maintaining grid stability.

The development is aligned with broader national objectives, including the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s clean energy targets for 2035. In addition to supporting energy transition goals, the project is expected to contribute to workforce development through Emiratisation initiatives.

EWEC will now proceed with detailed technical and commercial evaluations of the bids, with the project targeted to begin commercial operations by the third quarter of 2029.

ENGIE secures PPA for 900 MW wind farm in Egypt

ENGIE has signed a Power Purchase Agreement with Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company for a 900 MW onshore wind project to be developed near Ras Shokeir

The project will follow a 25-year Build-Own-Operate model, ensuring stable and predictable revenues over the contract period.

The development will be undertaken by a consortium consisting of ENGIE with a 35% stake, Orascom Construction holding 25%, and Aeolus with 40%. Orascom Construction will also be responsible for executing all civil and electrical balance of plant works, along with supplying selected locally sourced components. Aeolus operates as an African renewable energy independent power producer platform backed by Toyota Tsusho Corporation.

With the PPA now in place, financial close is anticipated in early Q3 2026. Delivery of the first wind turbines is expected by the end of 2026. Given the scale of the project, commissioning will take place in stages, with the initial 300 MW planned to be operational by December 2027, followed by full commissioning of the 900 MW facility by mid 2028.

Upon completion, the development will represent ENGIE’s largest onshore wind installation globally, exceeding the capacity of its Assurua wind complex in Brazil, which stands at 846 MW. It will also mark the company’s third wind project in Egypt, bringing its total installed wind capacity in the country to nearly 2 GW. The initiative builds on the consortium’s proven experience, having already delivered two BOO wind farms in Egypt, Red Sea Wind Energy (650 MW) and Ras Ghareb (262.5 MW), with a combined capacity of 912.5 MW, both completed ahead of schedule and below budget.

This project further underscores ENGIE’s long term commitment to supporting Egypt’s energy transition and advancing large scale renewable energy deployment in collaboration with government stakeholders and international partners.

Paulo Almirante, ENGIE senior executive vice-president in charge of renewable & flexible power, said, “This project marks a new milestone for ENGIE in Egypt and confirms the confidence of our long-term partners in our ability to deliver largescale renewable assets. With this 900 MW wind farm, our largest onshore project worldwide, we are reinforcing our role in Egypt’s energy transition while accelerating growth in a key market for the Group.”

As the Middle East ramps up solar installations, ensuring the safety of installers has become a top priority.

In response, the organisers of Solar & Storage Live Middle East 2026 have unveiled a dedicated Installer Safety Zone on the exhibition floor, highlighting the latest solutions designed to protect the workforce driving the region’s energy transition.

The Installer Safety Zone will feature a broad range of protective equipment and tools. Electrical safety gear on display includes arc-rated clothing, insulated gloves, dielectric boots, arc flash protection and insulated tools, aimed at reducing risks during high-voltage operations.

General personal protective equipment (PPE) such as Class E hard hats, high-visibility apparel, cut-resistant gloves, hearing protection and safety eyewear will also be showcased to mitigate everyday hazards.

Fall protection systems will be another focal point, with exhibitors presenting harnesses, lifeline solutions, self-retracting lifelines (SRLs), anchor points and rooftop safety equipment to help installers work securely at height.

Environmental protection products, including UV-protective clothing, hydration systems, respiratory equipment and gear for harsh climate conditions, will also be available, ensuring workers are safeguarded in challenging outdoor environments.

Specialised tools and equipment, such as voltage testers, lockout/tagout (LOTO) kits, thermal imaging cameras, insulated matting and Class C fire extinguishers, will be highlighted to further improve onsite safety.

Compliance and training resources will cover OSHA standards, NFPA 70E electrical safety, working-at-heights certification, first aid and CPR, and local electrical code requirements, supporting installers and contractors in maintaining regulatory adherence.

The new zone aims to provide a platform for industry professionals to explore the latest innovations, meet leading suppliers and share best practices to raise safety standards across the renewable energy sector.

Dubai World Trade Centre will host Solar & Storage Live Middle East on 9–10 June 2026, offering attendees an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge safety solutions and learn how technology and training can minimise risks for frontline solar professionals.

By prioritising safety and compliance, the Installer Safety Zone seeks to reduce incidents on-site, increase installer confidence, and ensure the rapid growth of solar projects continues without compromising workforce wellbeing.

OQ Alternative Energy has reported major progress across three renewable energy projects that are expected to deliver a combined 330 MW of wind and solar power in Oman by the end of 2026.

The developments – the Riyah 1 and Riyah 2 wind farms and the North Oman Solar plant – are being implemented in partnership with TotalEnergies with a total investment exceeding US$230mn. Once operational, the facilities will supply renewable electricity to the grid operated by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).

The projects include Oman’s largest wind farm and have already set several logistical and construction milestones, including the transport of the country’s longest inland convoy to move turbine components to site.

The Riyah wind projects are located at PDO’s Amin and West Nimr fields in southern Oman, while the North Oman Solar facility is being developed at Saih Nahaydah in the north of the country.

According to OQAE, the solar project has reached around 95% completion of tracker and photovoltaic module installation. The remaining panels are expected to be installed by mid-March 2026 as the project moves towards mechanical completion.

Meanwhile, construction of the wind farms has also progressed significantly. Seven wind turbines, each reaching a tip height of around 200 metres, have been installed so far, with work continuing to erect the remaining units.

All 36 wind turbine generators required for the projects have already arrived in Oman, with 19 transported from the port to the project sites. In addition, turbine foundations have been fully completed, enabling construction teams to accelerate installation activities in preparation for commissioning.

The developments have also exceeded their in-country value targets, with approximately 30% of total project expenditure retained within Oman’s economy. A number of local companies have been involved in supplying equipment and services, including Voltamp, Oman Cables, Al Kiyumi Switchgear and Al Hassan Switchgear.

Engineering work for substations was carried out by Worley Oman, while specialised logistics for transporting turbine components were managed by Khimji Ramdas.

Workforce localisation has also exceeded expectations, with Omani nationals accounting for around 40% of the workforce during development and construction. The projects have created roughly 150 direct and indirect jobs and include structured training programmes designed to develop local expertise in renewable energy.

Kumail Said, acting chief executive of OQ Alternative Energy, said the developments were designed not only to expand clean energy generation but also to strengthen the country’s industrial capabilities.

He noted that the projects are intended to support long-term economic diversification and build a domestic renewable energy ecosystem aligned with Oman’s national energy transition goals.

Once completed, the wind and solar facilities will contribute significantly to the country’s clean power capacity while helping reduce reliance on natural gas for electricity generation.