Emirates Water and Electricity Company to develop world’s largest solar power plant

Emirates Water and Electricity Company to develop world’s largest solar power plant

The Emirates Water and Electricity Company, EWEC, a leading company in the coordination of planning, purchasing and providing of water and electricity across the UAE, announced the award for the world's largest solar power plant in Abu Dhabi.

The project was awarded to a consortium led by the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, TAQA, and Masdar, with partners French electric utility company, EDF, and JinkoPower, for the development of the 2 GW Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic, PV, Independent Power Producer, IPP, project, which will be located approximately 35 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city. The project's power purchase agreement, PPA, and shareholders' agreement were signed with EWEC, said a press release issued by EWEC on Sunday.

The rigorous procurement process resulted in one of the most cost-competitive tariffs for solar PV energy, set at AED 4.97 fils/kWh (USD 1.35 cents/kWh) on a levelised cost of electricity, LCOE, basis. Upon full commercial operation, the plant is expected to reduce Abu Dhabi's CO2 emissions by more than 2.4 million metric tonnes per year, equivalent to removing approximately 470,000 cars from the road.

Speaking about the milestone, Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, said, "We are delighted to work with our partners and sign a