EWEC targets 7.3GW solar capacity by 2030

It also plans to develop 300MW of battery storage.

The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has recommended that it will increase its solar generation capacity by 06% to reach 7.3 gigawatts (GW) between 2023 and 2030.

In a statement, the company said expects the requirement of an additional 3GW (alternating current) of solar capacity by 2029, on top of the 1.5GW procured from Al Ajban Solar PV when it starts operations by 2026.

Aside from this EWEC said that it plans to procure at least 300 megawatts of battery capacity with one-hour storage depth by 2026 to improve system operability and overall network stability.

READ MORE: New UAE law regulates renewables production units link to grid

“Our growing portfolio of renewable and clean energy projects is accelerating the decarbonisation of the country’s energy sector in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative whilst supporting the realisation of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Target 2035,” said EWEC CEO Othman Al Ali. 

“The development of our world-leading strategic projects underpin the country’s journey towards a more sustainable future, positioning it as a role model for sustainable and efficient water and electricity production,” he added.

If implemented, EWEC's average carbon dioxide intensity from electricity generation will decline from 0.33 kilograms per kilowatt-hour (kg/kWh) in 2019 to around 0.19kg/kWh by 2029.