EWEC inks deal to convert Shuweihat 1 into low-emission plant, boosting UAE clean energy goals

EWEC Signs Major Agreement to Transform Shuweihat 1 into Low-Emission Gas Plant, Supporting UAE’s Clean Energy Vision

Abu Dhabi – Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has signed a new Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to redevelop the Shuwaihat 1 (S1) power station into a more environmentally friendly, low-emission natural gas-fired power station, reinforcing the UAE’s strategy to transition towards a cleaner and more flexible energy future.

The restructured agreement outlines a major transformation of the S1 plant—currently a dual-purpose cogeneration facility producing both electricity and desalinated water—into a standalone open-cycle gas turbine plant. This change will allow S1 to supply up to 1.1 gigawatts of flexible reserve electricity for a 15-year period starting in 2027, addressing peak power demands while minimizing emissions.

Shuweihat 1, located in the Al Dhafra region, about 250 kilometers from Abu Dhabi, was first commissioned in 2005 and is currently operating on a 20-year Power and Water Purchase Agreement that will expire in 2025. The reconfiguration is consistent with EWEC’s overall plan to decouple water desalination from power generation, which is viewed as critical to improving energy efficiency and lowering environmental impact.

As part of this transition, S1’s existing water desalination component will be retired, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the power grid’s operational adaptability. The adjustments also help EWEC achieve its goal of increasing grid flexibility to better handle intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

The ownership and operating duties for S1 remain unchanged, with Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) holding 60% and foreign partners Engie and Sumitomo each holding 20%. The operations and maintenance (O&M) company will continue to operate under its current structure, with TAQA owning 30% and Engie and Sumitomo each owning 35%.

EWEC emphasized that the program not only protects the energy grid’s reliability and stability during peak demand periods, but also moves the UAE closer to its national decarbonization targets. The company’s goal is to generate more than 50% of Abu Dhabi’s electricity from renewable and clean sources by 2030, and this project is viewed as a critical step toward that goal.