EWEC initiates bidding for 1,500 MW Zarraf Solar PV project in Abu Dhabi

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has launched the bidding process for the development of the Zarraf Solar PV independent power producer (IPP) project, aiming to enhance Abu Dhabi’s solar capacity to at least 10GW by 2030. 

Located in the Al Zarraf area of the Al Dhafra Region, the project will have a capacity of 1,500 MW, providing electricity to around 160,000 homes and reducing carbon emissions by up to 2.4 million tonnes annually.

The project is expected to contribute 5% to EWEC’s goal of a 36% reduction in power emissions intensity by 2030. Zarraf Solar PV will be the fifth utility-scale solar PV project for both EWEC and Abu Dhabi, supporting the emirate’s Clean Energy Strategic Target to meet 60% of its power demand from renewable sources by 2035.

The RFP follows a previous expression of interest stage in October 2024, with 16 qualified bidders out of 20 applicants. 

The selected developer or consortium will be responsible for the plant’s development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership, with up to a 40% stake in the project. The remaining equity will be owned indirectly by the Abu Dhabi Government.

Responses to the RFP are due by the second quarter of 2025.