EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) has recently announced the approval of four new renewable energy projects in Abu Dhabi, encompassing an impressive capacity of 4.6 gigawatts (GW). Covering an area of 75 square kilometers, these initiatives include three solar projects and one wind farm, significantly contributing to the UAE’s climate and energy objectives for 2035.
### Planned Capacities and Locations
The new projects consist of three photovoltaic plants located in Al Faya, Al Khazna, and Al Zarraf, which will collectively produce 4.5 GW, along with a 140-megawatt wind farm in Sila. These developments are part of the UAE’s overarching strategy to decrease its dependence on fossil fuels and promote a comprehensive energy transition.
EWEC anticipates that these projects will be instrumental in achieving a total installed solar capacity of 10 GW by 2030, in line with the targets established by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE).
### Strategic Objectives and Climate Commitments
These projects align with the UAE’s climate goals, particularly the aim of attaining carbon neutrality by 2050. His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the DoE, stated that these developments underscore Abu Dhabi’s strategic commitment to decarbonizing the energy sector while enhancing economic resilience. To facilitate these initiatives, the DoE is also working on implementing the necessary regulatory frameworks to ensure a smooth transition to clean energy.
### Inter-Agency Collaborations
The realization of these projects involved collaboration among various governmental entities, including the DoE, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). These organizations worked together to allocate land while ensuring that the infrastructure respects local ecosystems. The EAD has played a pivotal role in integrating climate and environmental goals into the energy strategy, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between infrastructure development and local biodiversity.
### Advancements in Renewable Energy Projects
EWEC continues to make headway on major projects, including the financial closure of the Al Ajban solar project, which has a capacity of 1.5 GW, and the initiation of bidding for the Khazna solar project. Once operational, these new sites will position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for renewable energy, hosting some of the world’s largest single-site solar power plants. These projects also reflect regional aspirations to establish a model for energy transition that could inspire other nations.
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