Abu Dhabi – Mubasher: A consortium led by the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) and Masdar has won the development of Al Dhafra Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Independent Power Producer (IPP) project, the world’s largest solar power plant.

The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) and shareholders’ agreement with the consortium, which also includes EDF and JinkoPower, for the 2 GW solar power plant, according to a press release on Sunday.

The project was subject to a procurement process which resulted in record-low tariffs for solar PV energy at AED 4.97 fils/kWh ($1.35 cents/kWh) on a Levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) basis. 

Located about 35 kilometres from Abu Dhabi, the plant is expected to cut the emirate’s CO2 emissions by over 2.4 million metric tonnes annually upon its full commercial operation.

The plant will be larger than TAQA's existing 1.2 GW Noor Abu Dhabi solar plant, as it is forecast to generate electricity for around 160,000 households across the UAE.

To be fully operated in the second half (H2) of 2022, the plant will raise Abu Dhabi’s solar power capacity to approximately 3.2 GW. 

 TAQA and Masdar will own 60% of the project, while the consortium's remaining partners will hold 40%.

The CEO of EWEC, Othman Al Ali, said: "We are working to secure long-term energy supply and reinforce solar power’s integral role in meeting current and future energy needs."

The Group CEO and Managing Director at TAQA, Jasim Husain Thabet, commented: "The project’s low tariff and utilisation of best-in-class technology further demonstrate the feasibility of utility-scale renewable energy projects that are accelerating our nation’s progress on meeting the ambitious energy objectives outlined in the UAE Energy Strategy 2050."