EWEC Approves Four Renewable Energy Projects with a Total Capacity of 4.6 GW
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EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) has recently announced the approval of four new renewable energy projects in Abu Dhabi, covering an area of 75 square kilometers. These initiatives consist of three solar power plants and one wind farm, which together aim to achieve a total capacity of 4.6 gigawatts (GW).
### Project Details
The new developments include three photovoltaic plants located in Al Faya, Al Khazna, and Al Zarraf, which will collectively provide 4.5 GW of solar power. Additionally, a wind farm with a capacity of 140 megawatts will be established in Sila. These projects align with the United Arab Emirates’ broader goals of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and facilitating a significant energy transition.
EWEC has indicated that these projects are integral to achieving the target of 10 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030, as set forth by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE).
### Strategic Goals and Climate Commitments
These renewable energy initiatives are vital to the UAE’s climate objectives, which include achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Mohamed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the DoE, emphasized that these developments signify Abu Dhabi’s commitment to decarbonizing its energy sector while enhancing economic resilience. The DoE is also actively working on the regulatory frameworks necessary to facilitate these projects and ensure a smooth transition to clean energy.
### Collaborative Efforts
The successful realization of these projects has been made possible through collaboration among various government entities, including the DoE, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). These organizations coordinated the allocation of land while ensuring that the infrastructure development respects local ecosystems. The EAD has played a crucial role in integrating climate and environmental objectives into the energy strategy, ensuring harmony between infrastructure and local biodiversity.
### Advancements in Renewable Energy
EWEC is also progressing on other major renewable energy projects, including the financial closure of the Al Ajban solar project, which has a capacity of 1.5 GW, and the invitation for bids for the Khazna solar project. Once operational, these new facilities will position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for renewable energy, hosting some of the largest single-site solar power plants worldwide. These initiatives not only demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to sustainability but also aim to serve as a model for energy transition strategies in other nations.
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