EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar have signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for power generated from the UAE’s first utility-scale Wind Program.
The agreement was signed following the official UAE Wind Program inauguration presided over by HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. This strategic agreement will see EWEC procuring power from the UAE’s utility-scale wind program for the first time.
Othman Al Ali CEO – EWEC
“We are honored to welcome H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council to inaugurate the UAE’s first utility-scale Wind Program and witness the signing of this landmark power purchase agreement which reflects a significant milestone for EWEC as we further expand our energy generation portfolio and increase the share of renewable energy in the UAE’s total energy mix. The addition of wind power to Abu Dhabi’s energy system enables EWEC to deliver power from a diverse array of renewable and clean sources that support the conservation and preservation of the UAE’s natural heritage while simultaneously accelerating the country’s socio-economic growth.”
“This strategic partnership with Masdar signifies our joint commitment to driving the country’s energy transition and significantly reducing the carbon emissions associated with energy generation. With the UAE hosting COP28 this year, EWEC is proud to be supporting the UAE in achieving its carbon-neutral future by mid-century and becoming the world’s most dynamic economy as outlined in the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative,” Mr. Al Ali added.
Located at Sila, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Delma Island, the wind power farms have a generation capacity of up to 99 megawatts (MW) of renewable, carbon-free electricity, enough to power 22,000 homes, displacing 115,000 tons of carbon dioxide.
The purchase agreement will draw power from 22 wind turbines standing at 95 meters high with a 155-metre wingspan, able to generate power at lower wind speeds, and also includes 14MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) power.
Mr. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar’s Chief Executive Officer, said that. “This is a remarkable milestone in the UAE’s renewable energy journey as wind energy is now for the first time powering the UAE national grid through our partnership with EWEC. Thanks to the vision of the wise leadership, Masdar was empowered to engineer and construct a technologically advanced, utility-scale wind program across the UAE, collaborating with international partners, when many considered it impossible due to low wind speeds in the UAE. Today we see that pioneering vision become a reality as a result of UAE-led innovation and expertise.”
