EWEC signs Power Purchase Agreement with Aljomaih Energy and Water Company, Sembcorp Industries and TAQA
The high-efficiency plant will deliver critical flexibility, strengthen grid stability, and enable large-scale renewable energy integration in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company), a leading company in the integrated planning, purchasing, supply and system despatch services of water and electricity across the UAE, has announced the award of the Taweelah C Independent Power Producer (IPP) project, in Abu Dhabi. The project, which comprises a 2.6 gigawatt (GW) Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant designed to enable the possible utilisation of carbon capture technologies in the future, has been awarded to Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), one of the largest listed integrated utilities companies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, alongside an international consortium comprising Aljomaih Energy and Water Company and Sembcorp Industries.
Following the award, EWEC signed the project’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the partners, which will run through to 2050. Under the terms of the PPA, EWEC will act as the sole procurer of electricity, purchasing the net electrical energy generated by the plant. TAQA, the local and majority shareholder of the project, will own a 60 per cent stake, with the international consortium holding 40 per cent. TAQA will also own a 40 per cent stake in the operations and maintenance (O&M) company, while the international consortium will own 60 per cent. TAQA and the consortium will be responsible for the design, finance, construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility under Abu Dhabi’s successful IPP programme.
Mohamed Almarzooqi, Chief Assets Officer of EWEC, said: “As EWEC transforms the UAE’s energy sector through our strategically planned, comprehensive approach that balances rapid decarbonisation with the security of supply, Taweelah C represents a key milestone in our long-term strategic roadmap. The project serves as a bridge that empowers us to accelerate our world-leading renewable energy capacity, expected to exceed 30GW of solar PV by 2035. Taweelah C also delivers sustainability and cost benefits, with one of the region’s lowest capital expenditure rates per kilowatt-hour and the lowest levelised cost of electricity. This advanced transitional infrastructure enables us to accelerate our decarbonisation timeline while continuing to deliver the electricity powering Abu Dhabi and the nation’s economic growth and prosperity. We are pleased to be working with TAQA, Aljomaih Energy and Water Company, and Sembcorp Industries to advance this important project.”
Farid Al Awlaqi, Chief Executive Officer, TAQA Generation, said: “Taweelah C is a key addition to our low-carbon power and water portfolio in Abu Dhabi as we accelerate execution of our growth strategy to reach 150GW of power capacity internationally by 2030. Flexible and baseload gas-powered generation will make up to 50GW of our 150GW target in our 2030 portfolio, and it will continue to play a critical role in supporting the integration of renewables and advancing the UAE’s net-zero aspirations. This greenfield project will deliver flexible, efficient gas generation and support TAQA’s ESG and emission reduction targets. TAQA continues to strengthen its position as a partner of choice for utility-scale power projects, delivering reliable, sustainable energy while supporting the energy transition and driving profitable growth for our shareholders.”
Adnan Abdulhadi Buhuligah, Chief Executive Officer of Aljomaih Energy and Water Company, said: “This project represents an important step in the Company’s journey to strengthen its regional presence and expand its portfolio of energy and infrastructure projects. It reflects our commitment to developing reliable and efficient energy solutions that meet evolving market needs, in collaboration with strategic partners. Our partnership with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) reflects our commitment to working with leading institutions to deliver reliable, efficient, and future-ready power infrastructure continuing to support the broader transition taking place across the region.”
Koh Chiap Khiong, President & CEO, Gas and Related Services, Sembcorp Industries, said: “The Taweelah C project underscores Sembcorp’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s energy transition through long-term partnerships and disciplined project execution. This project builds on our strong track record in the region and our successful partnership with TAQA on the Fujairah 1 Independent Water and Power Plant, which has operated reliably for more than two decades in support of the UAE’s power and water needs. Taweelah C brings together well-established institutions with aligned long-term objectives and a strong track record of execution. This partnership is anchored by a robust project structure and contractual framework. Together with EWEC and our partners, we are focused on delivering a reliable and efficient power asset that supports the UAE’s energy system over the long term.”
In collaboration with EWEC and the consortium of partners, the new plant is being designed and constructed with the future in mind, utilising state-of-the-art technology and high-efficiency H-class turbines provided by Siemens Energy to generate reliable power. The project reinforces the UAE's commitment to energy transition in Abu Dhabi by bringing 2.6GW of power to the Abu Dhabi grid, enabling the integration of renewables.
The Taweelah C project is expected to contribute to Emiratisation targets by facilitating the inclusion of UAE Nationals across key critical roles, thereby supporting national workforce development goals. The plant is forecasted to begin commercial operations in 2029.
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About TAQA
Established in 2005, TAQA is a diversified utilities and energy group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: TAQA). TAQA has significant investments in power and water generation, water treatment and reuse, transmission and distribution assets, as well as upstream and midstream oil and gas operations. TAQA owns and manages assets in 25 countries. For more information, please visit: www.taqa.com. and follow us @TAQAGroup on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.For TAQA Media Enquiries, please contact: media.hq@taqa.com
About Aljomaih Energy and Water Company
Founded in 2007, Aljomaih Energy and Water Company is one of the leading local investors, developers, and operators in utilities and infrastructure projects, with a global presence. The company’s portfolio includes power generation projects with a total capacity of 13 GW, in addition to water production and transmission projects with a combined capacity of 1.6 million cubic meters per day across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and Asia.
As a subsidiary of Aljomaih Holding Company, Aljomaih Energy and Water build on nearly 90 years of heritage, with a strong commitment to sustainability, delivering impactful infrastructure projects that align with Saudi Vision 2030.
About Sembcorp Industries
Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp) is a leading energy and urban solutions provider, led by its purpose to drive energy transition.
Headquartered in Singapore, Sembcorp delivers sustainable solutions to support energy transition and urban development by leveraging its sector expertise and global track record.
Sembcorp has a balanced energy portfolio of 28.5GW, including 20.4GW of gross renewable energy capacity, across 11 countries*.
Its urban development projects span 17,600 hectares across Asia and have generated over 466,000 employment opportunities and attracted US$64 billion of investment capital.
Sembcorp is listed on the main board of the Singapore Exchange. It is a constituent stock of FTSE Russell Index, MSCI Singapore Index, Straits Times Index as well as sustainability indices including FTSE4Good Index and several MSCI ESG indices.
For more information, please visit www.sembcorp.com.
*Total gross capacity assumes 100% ownership of assets, including projects secured and under construction and an acquisition pending completion.
About Emirates Water and Electricity Company
EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) is the sole procurer and supplier of water and electricity in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. EWEC drives the planning, forecasting, purchasing, and system despatch services of water and electricity. EWEC fulfils these vital responsibilities through the short-term and long-term balancing of bulk supply and demand for distribution companies and authorities in Abu Dhabi and other Emirates. EWEC is supporting the government of Abu Dhabi and the government of the UAE by enabling the reduction of cost whilst also providing the increased security of supply that comes from a cleaner, larger, and more integrated system.
EWEC is mandated to implement strategic initiatives that will achieve the 60 per cent clean energy target outlined in the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy's (DoE) Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035 for Electricity Production in Abu Dhabi, in addition to enabling the achievement of UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, UAE Energy Strategy by 2050, and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. EWEC is accelerating Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s energy transition by diversifying the country’s energy mix through developing and deploying renewable and clean energy as well as low-carbon intensive water desalination capacities. EWEC is part of ADQ, an active sovereign investor focusing on critical infrastructure and global supply chains. For more information, please visit: www.ewec.ae.
