Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) have unveiled major energy infrastructure projects aligned with the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and its Net Zero by 2050 goals.

As part of the collaboration, TAQA has signed a 24-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EWEC to develop, own, and operate the 1-gigawatt (GW) Al Dhafra Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) project in the UAE. TAQA will fully own the project and manage its operation and maintenance. Additionally, TAQA Transmission will develop power grid infrastructure to integrate the new generation capacity, ensuring reliable, low-carbon power.

These projects complement EWEC and Masdar’s initiative to deliver 24/7 dispatchable renewable energy— a global first. The program will provide up to 1GW of baseload power daily from renewables and feature the world’s largest combined solar and battery energy storage system (BESS).

The collaboration between EWEC, TAQA, and Masdar represents an investment of around AED36 billion in Abu Dhabi’s energy infrastructure. About 75% of the investment will go toward renewable and conventional power generation, while the remaining 25% will support grid infrastructure, contributing to the regulated asset base.

Jasim Thabet, Group CEO and Managing Director of TAQA and Vice Chairman of Masdar, said, “Providing reliable low-carbon power plays an important role in enabling the global energy transition. TAQA plays a central role in advancing clean energy solutions in the UAE, and we remain committed to ensuring reliable, low-carbon power at all times.”

Ahmed Ali Alshamsi, CEO of EWEC, added, “EWEC is pleased to partner with TAQA on transformative initiatives that will power the UAE’s AI ambitions and accelerate the nation’s energy transition. This collaboration is setting a new global benchmark for sustainable energy systems.”