EWEC seeks developers for Madinat Zayed Independent Power Producer

This will provide up to 1.5 GW of backup generation.

The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) is seeking proposals for the development of the Madinat Zayed Independent Power Producer (IPP) project, which will be an open-cycle gas turbine plant located in the Madinat Zayed area, approximately 120 kilometres southwest of Abu Dhabi City. 

In a statement, EWEC said these types of plants are crucial to boost the growth of solar energy, providing flexibility during peak power demand periods.

The Madinat Zayed project is expected to commence commercial operations in the third quarter of 2027, providing up to 1.5 gigawatts of backup generation.

EWEC said the project will follow the model of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s IPP programme, where developers enter into a long-term agreement with the company as the sole procurer. It will involve the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the plant, with the successful developer or developer consortium owning up to 40% of the entity. The remaining equity will be held indirectly by the Abu Dhabi Government.

Responses to the request for proposals will be received in the fourth quarter of 2024.

EWEC is also calling for proposals for the Taweelah C IPP project which will be a carbon-capture-ready combined cycle gas turbine plant located in the Al Taweelah Power and Desalination Complex.