Abu Dhabi utility fires starting gun on 2 GW solar project

UAE Dune

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The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) – formerly the Abu Dhabi Electricity and Water Authority – has issued an expression of interest for the development and construction of a 2 GW solar project at Adhafra, 50 km east of Abu Dhabi.

According to the EoI document, published on the EQ International website, the selected developer or consortium will own up to 40% of a special purpose vehicle created for the project, with the remaining stake owned by the Abu Dhabi Power Corporation (ADPC) and other undisclosed government entities. The special purpose vehicle will be awarded a long-term power purchase agreement by EWEC, which will be the only buyer of the electricity produced.

Interested developers have until March 5 to prequalify for the project.

When implemented, this solar farm will be the largest PV plant in the Middle East.

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That title is currently held by the 1.17 GW Sweihan solar park under construction by Indian EPC company Sterling and Wilson. Close of financing for that project was announced in late May by EWEC and its partners – Chinese module maker Jinko and Japanese company Marubeni Corp. The two companies put in the lowest bid of just $0.0242/kWh for the power generated. The Sweihan plant is relying on central inverters provided by Spanish manufacturer Ingeteam.

The project was awarded through a competitive bidding process managed by EWEC with bidders encouraged to form consortia.

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