EWEC calls for more solar and energy storage

EWEC recommends a 606% increase in solar power capacity to 7.3 GW, the development of 300 MW of BESS, and the pursuit of low-carbon reverse osmosis water desalination technology for the United Arab Emirates.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

EWEC has released a statement on future capacity requirements 2023-2029 for Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates. The report recommends an increase in total solar power generation capacity by 606% to 7.3 GW, as well as the development of 300 MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS). The report also recommends continued investment in low-carbon reverse osmosis (RO) water desalination technology to enable more than 90 percent of total water demand to be met with RO by 2030.

The development of solar energy and energy storage by battery

The report published by EWEC outlines future generation capacity requirements for Abu Dhabi and beyond. The report projects the need for an additional 3 GW (AC) of solar power capacity by 2029, in addition to the 1.5 GW (AC) of solar power purchased from Al Ajban Solar PV once it reaches commercial operations in 2026. The report also recommends procuring a minimum of 300 MW of battery capacity with one-hour storage depth by 2026 to improve system operability and enhance overall grid stability.

Increased solar power capacity and battery energy storage will see the company’s average carbon dioxide intensity from electricity generation drop from 0.33 kg/kWh in 2019 to approximately 0.19 kg/kWh by 2029.

Othman Al Ali, president and CEO of EWEC, emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing the UAE’s energy transition while continuing to ensure a safe and reliable supply of water and electricity. He also noted that the growing portfolio of renewable and clean energy projects is accelerating the decarbonization of the country’s energy sector in line with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.

Increase in thermal capacity

As part of the transformation of the energy mix towards an energy transition, EWEC has planned thermal power plant projects using gas turbine technology. These projects are designed to replace 7 GW of thermal cogeneration plants whose contracts are expiring and to meet reserve margin requirements and growing energy demand. To this end, the statement recommends securing 9 GW of thermal capacity from open cycle or combined cycle gas turbines through asset expansion, reconfiguration or new development.

Intensive low-carbon reverse osmosis capacity for sustainable water production

The EWEC statement report also highlights the need to develop two low-carbon RO desalination plants: the Mirfa 2 reverse osmosis plant with a production capacity of 120MIGD of drinking water, and the Shuweihat 4 reverse osmosis plant, which will have a production capacity of 70MIGD. The Abu Dhabi Islands RO 100MIGD desalination project in 2027 is also planned to reduce overall sector costs, with the unit cost of water from this new system approximately 60% lower than the current average cost of the water production system. EWEC projects that more than 90% of its water production will come from RO water desalination plants by 2030, with a reduction in water production emissions intensity from 11.5 kg/m3 in 2019 to an estimated 1.4 kg/m3 by 2029.

A low-carbon energy transition for secure, sustainable, and low-cost water and electricity supplies

EWEC aims to lead Abu Dhabi’s transition to low-carbon water and power generation. Bruce Smith, executive director of strategy and planning at EWEC, emphasized the importance of the report’s in-depth modeling analysis in identifying significant system cost and carbon emission reduction benefits.

As such, EWEC is working to further diversify the energy mix and increase the share of renewable energy and low-carbon reverse osmosis to ensure a safe, sustainable and cost-effective supply of water and electricity in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

The consortium led by Engie and Masdar has been selected to develop a 1.5 GW photovoltaic plant in Abu Dhabi, aimed at expanding the emirate’s solar capacity under its long-term energy strategy.
T1 Energy invests in private solar cell manufacturer Talon PV to support industrial expansion of the U.S. solar sector and address rising grid demand.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is reviewing a loan for a 100 MW photovoltaic project led by Qair in Tunisia, backed by a long-term power purchase agreement with the national utility.
French independent producer CVE has commissioned an agrivoltaic pilot project in Haute-Loire, aiming to test solar panel integration on a cattle farm ahead of a future 12 MWc installation.
Geronimo Power celebrated the near completion of its 125 MW solar farm in Jackson County, marking a major step for the local economy and regional power grid.
GOLDBECK SOLAR Polska has received the Final Operational Notification for its Zwartowo photovoltaic facility, marking a key regulatory milestone in the development of large-scale solar projects in Poland.
H.E Energy will develop 100 low-voltage solar facilities totalling 10MWDC in Hokkaido for SMFL Mirai Partners, with commissioning scheduled by June 2026.
Hokkaido Gas has launched a 2MW solar power plant in Kamishihoro, with an expected annual output of 4.4GWh to be distributed locally through energy supplier Karch.
Sembcorp Industries has signed a purchase agreement to acquire a 300-megawatt solar plant in India, boosting its renewable energy footprint to a total capacity of 6.9 gigawatts.
Spanish solar energy producers have recorded 693 hours of zero or negative prices since January, already matching the total for the previous year, raising concerns about the sector’s profitability and market stability.
Mars signs a major contract with GoldenPeaks Capital to develop over 100 solar plants in Poland, aiming to power its European operations and supply chain with renewable electricity.
Doral Renewables has signed a power purchase agreement for 75% of the output from its Cold Creek Solar project, expanding its contracted portfolio to over 1.6 GW nationwide.
SNCF Voyageurs secures direct solar electricity supply from two plants owned by Octopus Energy and BayWa r.e., through 25-year agreements aimed at powering its rail network.
The end of China's VAT rebate and reduced output bring an end to eighteen months of historically low prices in solar and storage sectors.
The Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects has shortlisted several companies for Phase III of the Al Dibdibah solar plant, with a net capacity of 500 MW.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has agreed to examine compensation claims by ACME Solar and AMPIN Energy, citing losses caused by non-operational transmission lines.
Waaree Energies has activated a new 950 MW photovoltaic module production line in Degam, strengthening its industrial investment programme in western India.
India opens a new rooftop solar tender phase, offering 3,640 kW under the RESCO model, with a pre-bid meeting held online on October 6 by Solar Energy Corporation of India.
The Japanese developer has reached a total of 100MW in solar capacity under power purchase agreements with Microsoft, spread across four projects in the country, two of which are already operational.
SNCF Énergie signed four new renewable electricity purchase agreements with Neoen in July, covering the annual consumption equivalent of the TGV Paris–Bordeaux line.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.