Abu Dhabi is forging strategic global partnerships to drive a greener grid in the UAE’s capital. Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), headquartered in Abu Dhabi, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of the 1,500-megawatt (MWac) Zarraf Solar PV Independent Power Producer (IPP) project, located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) phase began in October 2024, attracting submissions from 20 companies and consortiums. Following a comprehensive evaluation of Statements of Qualification (SOQ), 16 companies and consortiums were shortlisted to proceed to the RFP stage.

Proposals for the RFP are expected by the second quarter of 2025, per the announcement. The chosen developer or consortium will maintain up to 40% equity in the project, with the remaining stake held indirectly by the Abu Dhabi Government.

EWEC projects that by 2035, at least 18 gigawatts of solar PV capacity will be operational, aligning with the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035. This initiative seeks to fulfill 60% of the emirate’s electricity demand through renewable and clean energy sources.