EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) has launched a tender to develop a 400 megawatt (MW) energy storage project in Abu Dhabi.
The project aims to improve the flexibility and stability of the region’s energy network.
Strategic Development for Energy Transition
The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project is designed to efficiently meet peak demand and integrate more renewable energy.
EWEC is thus accelerating the energy transition to renewable and clean sources, in line with the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s 2035 targets and the UAE’s 2050 energy strategy.
BESS technology will also provide essential ancillary services such as frequency response and voltage regulation.
These improvements will enable EWEC to increase its solar photovoltaic capacity to 7.5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, reducing the carbon dioxide intensity of EWEC’s energy supply to around 190 kg/MWh by 2030.
A Pioneering Project for the Energy Sector
Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC, says that this project is a key step in strengthening the resilience and efficiency of the energy grid.
By integrating more solar PV, the BESS project will enable more effective management of peak demand, consolidating the UAE’s leading position in the global energy transition.
The tender is open to qualified companies and consortia following the initial selection process in April 2024.
Out of 93 applications, 27 have been selected for this stage.
The project will follow the model of Abu Dhabi’s IPP (Independent Power Producer) program, involving the development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the BESS system.
Impact on the UAE’s Energy Objectives
The implementation of the BESS project will play a crucial role in achieving the UAE’s energy objectives.
The project will not only stabilize the power grid, but also maximize the use of renewable energy sources.
This initiative supports the UAE’s ambitions for sustainability and carbon reduction, in line with the objectives of the Energy Strategy 2050 and the Net Zero 2050 initiative.
Sector outlook and challenges
The deployment of energy storage technologies is essential to ensure a smooth transition to a cleaner energy mix.
However, the success of such projects will depend on effective partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as the ability to overcome technological and financial challenges.
EWEC’s BESS project could serve as a model for other similar initiatives in the region and beyond.
This project marks a significant step towards a sustainable energy future, while supporting the UAE’s carbon neutrality objectives.
Collaboration with leading partners is crucial to achieving the ambitious targets set by the government, and to positioning the UAE as a world leader in the energy transition.
