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.
EWEC receives bids for Al Nouf 1 power project
