Abu dhabi: Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of the Al Nouf Independent Power Producer (IPP) project, marking it as the largest single-site carbon-capture-ready Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant in the UAE. Al Nouf will be situated within the Al Nouf Complex, a site strategically designated to become a significant hub for power and water production in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, the state-of-the-art plant is designed to offer efficiency, operational flexibility, and reduced emissions, aligning with the UAE's long-term decarbonisation goals. The Al Nouf Complex is positioned as a pivotal element in the UAE's energy and water security, chosen for its coastal location which is suitable for seawater-cooled power generation and reverse osmosis desalination technologies.
The complex is designed for scalability, providing ample space and infrastructure to support future utility-scale energy and desalination projects. This integrated planning approach emphasizes EWEC's commitment to developing energy clusters that enhance performance, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
EWEC is actively advancing the UAE's energy transition towards a decarbonised system, with the Al Nouf project providing the necessary capacity to integrate large-scale renewable energy and offer flexibility during peak power demand periods. High-efficiency gas-fired plants like Al Nouf are vital for maintaining supply security as the energy sector transitions to a renewable and clean focus.
The IPP programme aims to support Emiratisation by facilitating the inclusion of UAE Nationals in key roles, aligning with national workforce development goals. Ahmed Ali Alshamsi, CEO of EWEC, highlighted Al Nouf's strategic importance in delivering a flexible, efficient, and decarbonised energy system, which is crucial for meeting future demand while supporting the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
Al Nouf will follow the successful IPP programme model of Abu Dhabi, with developers entering long-term agreements with EWEC. The project's development will include financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership, with the Abu Dhabi Government holding the majority equity.
Expected to commence operations in Q3 2029, Al Nouf will generate up to 3.3 gigawatts of electricity with efficient natural gas turbine technology. The RFP outlines requirements encouraging the use of AI to enhance plant performance and efficiency, and bidders are expected to respond by Q4 2025.
To ensure timely project development, EWEC has reserved gas turbines for Al Nouf, facilitating rapid resource mobilisation and reinforcing the ability to meet future power demands while supporting the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.