Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development [1] of the Al Sila Wind Independent Power Project (IPP), aiming to significantly boost the UAE’s renewable energy capacity. Located near the existing utility-scale wind farm in Al Sila, this project is set to generate up to 140 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, enough to power 36,000 homes and displace 190,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
The Al Sila Wind project is part of EWEC’s broader strategy to diversify the UAE’s energy mix and establish Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for utility-scale renewable energy. Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Chief Asset Development & Management Officer of EWEC, stated, “This project represents a bold step forward in diversifying the UAE’s energy mix and further establishing Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for innovation in utility-scale renewable energy.”
The RFP has been issued to 16 companies and consortiums that qualified after submitting Statements of Qualification following an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage in October 2024. The successful developer or developer consortium will own up to 40% of the entity, with the remaining equity held indirectly by the Abu Dhabi Government. The developer will enter into a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EWEC, structured as an energy purchase agreement where EWEC will pay only for the net electrical energy supplied by the plant.
Once fully operational, the Al Sila Wind project will increase Abu Dhabi’s wind generation capacity to approximately 240MW, building on existing wind farms at Sila, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Delma Island. EWEC forecasts a further increase in wind capacity to 2.6 gigawatts by 2035, setting a global benchmark in renewable energy leadership.
The Al Sila Wind project is a significant step towards achieving the UAE’s sustainable future and accelerating the energy transition. EWEC eagerly anticipates competitive proposals from qualified bidders to drive this transformative initiative forward.
Sources:
[1] Abu Dhabi’s EWEC seeks bids for 140MW Al Sila Wind project to boost UAE renewable energy capacity https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/energy/abu-dhabis-ewec-seeks-bids-for-140mw-al-sila-wind-project-to-boost-uae-renewable-energy-capacity