emirates7 - 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, set to be the UAE’s largest single-site Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant designed to be carbon-capture-ready.
The Al Nouf plant will be situated within the newly established Al Nouf Complex, a coastal site chosen to serve as a central hub for power and water production in Abu Dhabi.
This cutting-edge facility is engineered to achieve world-class efficiency, operational flexibility, and reduced emissions, supporting the UAE’s long-term decarbonisation goals.
The Al Nouf Complex is expected to be a cornerstone for the UAE’s energy and water security. Its strategic coastal location enables the integration of seawater-cooled power generation and reverse osmosis (RO) desalination technologies. With future growth in mind, the complex offers sufficient space and infrastructure to accommodate multiple large-scale energy and desalination projects.
EWEC’s integrated planning approach highlights its commitment to establishing energy clusters that optimise efficiency, performance, and environmental sustainability.
The Al Nouf plant is part of the UAE’s broader energy transition, providing flexible and high-efficiency natural gas-fired capacity to support the integration of large-scale renewable energy while offering additional flexibility during peak electricity demand. Such plants will be essential to ensure energy security as the country shifts toward a renewable-focused energy sector.
Under the IPP programme, the project will also contribute to Emiratisation by including UAE Nationals in key roles, supporting national workforce development objectives.
Ahmed Ali Alshamsi, CEO of EWEC, stated: “The Al Nouf power plant is a key pillar of EWEC’s strategy to provide a flexible, efficient, and decarbonised energy system. As renewable and clean energy integration accelerates, advanced natural gas-fired capacity will be critical to maintain grid reliability and manage intermittency. Al Nouf’s strategic location and high-efficiency design will help meet future energy demand while supporting the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. We look forward to engaging with qualified developers to advance this vital project.”
Al Nouf will follow the model of Abu Dhabi’s successful IPP programme, where developers enter into long-term agreements with EWEC as the sole procurer. The project will cover the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the plant, with the winning developer or consortium holding up to 40 percent equity, and the Abu Dhabi Government holding the remaining stake indirectly.
Commercial operations are expected to commence in Q3 2029, with Al Nouf’s advanced natural gas turbine technology generating up to 3.3 gigawatts of electricity.
The RFP provides detailed technical requirements and encourages the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance plant performance, operational efficiency, and predictive maintenance. The project will also incorporate advanced technologies such as digital twins and real-time monitoring systems to optimise lifecycle performance and resilience. Responses to the RFP are anticipated in Q4 2025.
To facilitate timely project execution, EWEC has already reserved gas turbines for Al Nouf, ensuring rapid mobilisation of resources and reinforcing its ability to meet future electricity demand while supporting system reliability and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.
The Al Nouf plant will be situated within the newly established Al Nouf Complex, a coastal site chosen to serve as a central hub for power and water production in Abu Dhabi.
This cutting-edge facility is engineered to achieve world-class efficiency, operational flexibility, and reduced emissions, supporting the UAE’s long-term decarbonisation goals.
The Al Nouf Complex is expected to be a cornerstone for the UAE’s energy and water security. Its strategic coastal location enables the integration of seawater-cooled power generation and reverse osmosis (RO) desalination technologies. With future growth in mind, the complex offers sufficient space and infrastructure to accommodate multiple large-scale energy and desalination projects.
EWEC’s integrated planning approach highlights its commitment to establishing energy clusters that optimise efficiency, performance, and environmental sustainability.
The Al Nouf plant is part of the UAE’s broader energy transition, providing flexible and high-efficiency natural gas-fired capacity to support the integration of large-scale renewable energy while offering additional flexibility during peak electricity demand. Such plants will be essential to ensure energy security as the country shifts toward a renewable-focused energy sector.
Under the IPP programme, the project will also contribute to Emiratisation by including UAE Nationals in key roles, supporting national workforce development objectives.
Ahmed Ali Alshamsi, CEO of EWEC, stated: “The Al Nouf power plant is a key pillar of EWEC’s strategy to provide a flexible, efficient, and decarbonised energy system. As renewable and clean energy integration accelerates, advanced natural gas-fired capacity will be critical to maintain grid reliability and manage intermittency. Al Nouf’s strategic location and high-efficiency design will help meet future energy demand while supporting the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. We look forward to engaging with qualified developers to advance this vital project.”
Al Nouf will follow the model of Abu Dhabi’s successful IPP programme, where developers enter into long-term agreements with EWEC as the sole procurer. The project will cover the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and ownership of the plant, with the winning developer or consortium holding up to 40 percent equity, and the Abu Dhabi Government holding the remaining stake indirectly.
Commercial operations are expected to commence in Q3 2029, with Al Nouf’s advanced natural gas turbine technology generating up to 3.3 gigawatts of electricity.
The RFP provides detailed technical requirements and encourages the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance plant performance, operational efficiency, and predictive maintenance. The project will also incorporate advanced technologies such as digital twins and real-time monitoring systems to optimise lifecycle performance and resilience. Responses to the RFP are anticipated in Q4 2025.
To facilitate timely project execution, EWEC has already reserved gas turbines for Al Nouf, ensuring rapid mobilisation of resources and reinforcing its ability to meet future electricity demand while supporting system reliability and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.