Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has entered into a transformative Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a consortium led by TAQA, alongside ENGIE and Sumitomo Corporation, to reconfigure and extend operations at the Shuweihat 1 (S1) Power Plant.
This strategic redevelopment will see the decommissioning of the plant’s gas-powered water desalination operations, allowing it to function exclusively as a natural gas-fired open-cycle power plant. Once completed, the revamped facility will deliver up to 1.1 gigawatts of flexible reserve electricity for the next 15 years.
A Major Shift Toward Flexibility and Clean Energy
Commissioned in 2005 as a cogeneration plant supplying both electricity and desalinated water, the S1 facility is undergoing a full reconfiguration. Under the new agreement:
- The facility will shift to power-only operations, no longer supporting desalination
- It will utilize natural gas to provide fast, flexible electricity supply
- It is designed to support renewable energy integration by adjusting output in real time based on demand
Commercial operations of the reconfigured S1 plant are scheduled to commence by December 30, 2027.
Ownership and Operations Structure
The new project is a joint initiative among global energy leaders:
- TAQA holds a 60% stake in the project and will take a leading role in operations
- ENGIE and Sumitomo Corporation each maintain 20% ownership
- The three partners will jointly manage operations and maintenance (O&M) through a shared entity
This collaboration underscores a robust commitment to energy innovation and regional power stability.
Supporting UAE’s Net-Zero Vision
This reconfiguration plays a critical role in advancing the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. By retiring older desalination technologies and focusing on flexible, low-emission power generation, the S1 upgrade helps align Abu Dhabi’s energy mix with sustainable and clean energy goals.
EWEC has set a clear target: by 2030, more than 50% of the emirate’s electricity should be sourced from renewable and clean energy. The S1 plant will act as a key reserve power asset, ensuring grid stability as intermittent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind become more prominent.
Key Project Highlights
- Project: Shuweihat 1 (S1) Power Plant Reconfiguration
- Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Capacity: 1.1 GW flexible reserve electricity
- Ownership: TAQA (60%), ENGIE (20%), Sumitomo Corporation (20%)
- Fuel Type: Natural gas (open-cycle)
- Operational Start: Targeted by December 30, 2027
- Strategic Goal: Support UAE’s clean energy transition and grid flexibility
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