EWEC Issues RFP for the Development of Single-Site Carbon-Capture-Ready CCGT Power Plant

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), UAE has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of the Al Nouf Independent Power Producer (IPP) project, the largest single-site carbon-capture-ready Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant in the UAE.

Al Nouf will be located within the newly established Al Nouf Complex, a coastal site strategically designated to become a major hub for power and water production in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Al Nouf Complex is set to become a cornerstone of the UAE’s energy and water security strategy, chosen for its prime coastal location that enables both seawater-cooled power generation and reverse osmosis (RO) desalination. Through this development, EWEC is accelerating the nation’s transition toward a low-carbon energy system, with the highly efficient Al Nouf facility providing the necessary transitional capacity to integrate large volumes of renewable energy while ensuring flexibility to meet peak demand. As part of the IPP framework, the project will also advance Emiratisation objectives by creating opportunities for UAE Nationals in critical positions, contributing to national workforce development goals. 

The Al Nouf project will be implemented under the proven framework of Abu Dhabi’s IPP programme, in which developers enter into a long-term agreement with EWEC, the sole off-taker. The scope includes the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the facility. The selected developer or consortium will hold up to 40% equity in the project company, while the remaining stake will be indirectly retained by the Government of Abu Dhabi. Scheduled to commence commercial operations in Q3 2029, the plant will utilize high-efficiency natural gas turbine technology to deliver as much as 3.3 GW of electricity.

The project will integrate cutting-edge technologies such as digital twins and advanced monitoring solutions to enhance lifecycle efficiency and strengthen overall system resilience. Proposals in response to the RFP are anticipated by Q4 2025. To accelerate progress post-award, EWEC has pre-secured gas turbines for the Al Nouf facility. This proactive measure will allow swift resource mobilisation, ensuring the project advances on schedule while bolstering reliability, meeting future power needs, and aligning with the objectives of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.