Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has announced the award of a 1.5 gigawatt (GW) solar power project to French group Engie, in partnership with Emirati company Masdar. This development marks a new phase in the expansion of energy infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates.
A large-scale project for the emirate
The project, named Khazna Solar Photovoltaic, will include approximately three million solar panels installed at a site outside the capital, Abu Dhabi. According to EWEC, the plant will supply electricity to the equivalent of 160,000 households once operational. Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) have been signed between the parties involved, although no commissioning timeline has been disclosed.
The plant is also expected to avoid more than 2.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. The project forms part of EWEC’s strategy to increase Abu Dhabi’s total solar capacity to 18 GW by 2035, with a target to meet 60% of the emirate’s electricity demand through clean energy sources.
A global first for Engie
The Khazna project will be, according to Engie, the company’s largest photovoltaic installation worldwide. Deputy Chief Executive Officer Paulo Almirante stated in a press release that this development strengthens the group’s strategic presence in the Middle East, amid rapid growth of the solar market.
The financial close of the project is expected before the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, as stated. No details have yet been disclosed regarding the financial structure, involved lenders or the total investment amount.
Emirates continue energy diversification
Despite being a major oil producer, the United Arab Emirates continues to invest in renewable energy. Masdar, the dedicated subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, plays a central role in this diversification strategy by developing solar and wind projects both domestically and internationally.
This development adds to other projects already led by EWEC, including the Al Dhafra solar plant, which was also awarded through a consortium involving Masdar. These investments aim to build an energy portfolio less reliant on hydrocarbons while meeting the emirate’s demographic and industrial growth.
