EWEC announced reconfiguration and extension of the Shuweihat 1 (S1) power plant

The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), in collaboration with TAQA, ENGIE, and Sumitomo Corporation, announced a significant reconfiguration and extension of the Shuweihat 1 (S1) power plant, located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi.

Originally a cogeneration facility producing both electricity and desalinated water, S1 will be reconfigured to operate solely as a power plant. The natural gas-fueled desalination component will be decommissioned, supporting EWEC's strategy to decouple water and power production. A new PPA has been signed, extending S1's operations for an additional 15 years. Under this agreement, S1 will provide up to 1.1 gigawatts of flexible reserve power, with commercial operations commencing in 2027. TAQA holds a 60% stake in S1, while ENGIE and Sumitomo each own 20%. The operations and maintenance (O&M) responsibilities will be shared, with TAQA owning 30% of the O&M company, and ENGIE and Sumitomo each holding 35%.

This reconfiguration is a pivotal step in the UAE's energy transition, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the national grid. By converting S1 into a flexible, natural gas-fired open-cycle power plant, EWEC aims to ensure grid stability and reliability during peak demand periods, while minimizing carbon emissions.This reconfiguration is a pivotal step in the UAE's energy transition, facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the national grid. By converting S1 into a flexible, natural gas-fired open-cycle power plant, EWEC aims to ensure grid stability and reliability during peak demand periods, while minimizing carbon emissions.​​