The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Zarraf Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project, marking another step towards the UAE’s energy transition. The project, located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, will have a capacity of 1,500 megawatts (AC) and is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 160,000 homes.

The Zarraf Solar PV project will also significantly cut carbon emissions, reducing up to 2.4 million metric tonnes of CO2 annually. This initiative plays a vital role in EWEC’s plan to reduce power emissions intensity by 36 percent by 2030 and aligns with Abu Dhabi’s goal of producing 60 percent of its electricity from renewable and clean energy by 2035.

Othman Al Ali, EWEC’s CEO, highlighted the importance of the project, describing it as a key step towards decarbonising Abu Dhabi’s energy sector. Speaking to the WAM news agency, he pointed out that solar power offers an affordable and sustainable way to accelerate the shift to clean energy.

This will be Abu Dhabi’s fifth large-scale solar project under EWEC’s strategy to expand the emirate’s solar capacity to at least 10GW (AC) by 2030. The project will involve development, financing, construction, and long-term operation. Developers will hold up to 40 percent ownership, with the Abu Dhabi government retaining the rest. A long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) will ensure EWEC buys energy based on the plant’s net power supply.

The RFP, issued to 16 pre-qualified companies and consortiums, outlines technical and financial requirements for submissions. Interested parties must submit their proposals by the second quarter of 2025, after which EWEC will host an event to reveal the bidders.

This project continues EWEC’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s clean energy goals while fostering partnerships with local and international developers.