EWEC issues request for proposals for 1.5 GW solar project in UAE

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to qualified companies for the development of the Zarraf Solar PV Independent Power Producer (IPP) project located in the Al Zarraf area of the Al Dhafra Region, UAE.

The Zarraf Solar PV project will have a 1,500 MW (AC) power generation capacity, enough to power approximately 160,000 homes and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 2.4 million metric tonnes annually. It will deliver 5% of EWEC’s forecasted 36% reduction in power emissions intensity by 2030 compared to today. 

The RFP is being issued to bidders who successfully passed the qualification process after the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage in October 2024. Out of the 20 companies and consortiums that submitted EOIs, 16 qualified for the RFP stage by submitting Statements of Qualification. The RFP outlines the project's detailed requirements and proposed technical specifications to assist companies and consortiums in preparing their submissions. The Zarraf Solar PV project will encompass the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the plant and its related infrastructure. The successful developer or consortium will hold up to 40% ownership of the entity, with the remaining equity held indirectly by the Abu Dhabi Government.