Kasun Illankoon speaks to Andy Biffen, Asset Development Executive Director, EWEC, about their latest projects, key initiatives to promote renewable energy, the importance of collaboration, and so much more
Can you provide an overview of EWEC’s latest projects and their significance in meeting the growing energy demand while ensuring sustainability?
In line with the UAE’s clear vision to develop a water and electricity sector that prioritises cutting-edge renewable and clean energy projects, EWEC is at the forefront of driving this transition. By leading the way, EWEC also aims to safeguard power and water security for Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Driving the diversification of the UAE’s energy mix and increasing the share of renewable and clean energy in Abu Dhabi’s power grid, EWEC has commissioned the development of four of the world’s largest single-site solar power plants. Noor Abu Dhabi, commercially operational since 2019, generates approximately 1GW (AC) of electricity, while our recently inaugurated Al Dhafra Solar PV, the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, has a generation capacity of 1.5GW (AC). We have also recently commissioned the development of two additional solar power projects, Al Ajban Solar PV and Khazna Solar PV, both equal in size and scale to Al Dhafra Solar PV. When these projects are operational, Abu Dhabi—and, by extension, the UAE—will have four of the world’s largest single-site solar power plants, increasing the diversification of EWEC’s energy production portfolio and significantly advancing the decarbonisation of the energy sector. Implementing these strategic renewable and clean energy projects will see the company’s average carbon dioxide intensity from electricity generation fall from 0.33 kilograms per kilowatt-hour (kg/kWh) in 2019 to an estimated 0.19kg/kWh by 2029.
To ensure a reliable and sustainable future for water desalination, EWEC is actively progressing with the development of two low-carbon intensive reverse osmosis (RO) projects: Mirfa 2 RO and Shuweihat 4 RO. Additionally, the company is advancing the development of the Abu Dhabi Islands RO project, which involves the construction of two independent greenfield RO seawater desalination plants situated on Saadiyat Island and Hudayriat Island, strategically close to water consumers. Once these projects are operational, our low-carbon-intensive desalination plants will have a combined production capacity of 618 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) by 2027. By 2030, we expect over 90% of our water production to be from RO technology, leading to a significant decrease in carbon emissions from 11.5 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3) in 2019 to an estimated 1.4 kg/m3 by 2029, representing a remarkable decrease of 88%.
What are some of the key initiatives undertaken by EWEC to promote renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions in the region?
Since its establishment, EWEC has been dedicated to expanding its portfolio of world-leading utility-scale renewable energy projects and low carbon-intensive reverse osmosis (RO) water desalination projects. These initiatives significantly accelerate the UAE’s energy transition, reduce dependence on hydrocarbons, and achieve decarbonisation in the energy sector. By developing solar power plants and low-carbon intensive desalination facilities, we actively support the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. Our efforts aim to increase the proportion of clean energy within the nation’s overall energy mix.
Looking ahead to 2030, EWEC plans to grow Abu Dhabi’s solar power capacity to 7.6GW, an approximately threefold increase compared to today. Additionally, we remain committed to investing in low-carbon intensive RO water desalination technology to promote the separation of water and electricity production.
Beyond world-leading renewable energy and low-carbon intensive RO water desalination projects, EWEC is the primary enabler for implementing Abu Dhabi’s CECs scheme. The CEC scheme, introduced by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), is a strategic initiative designed to enable companies in Abu Dhabi to validate their claims of clean energy consumption. The CECs scheme supports the UAE’s transition towards a sustainable, decarbonised economy in alignment with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. EWEC acts as both the Single Registrant and Auction Operator, playing a pivotal role in establishing the primary market for this innovative instrument.
Could you share some specific examples of how EWEC collaborates with other stakeholders, such as government entities or private companies, to drive sustainable energy development?
As mentioned, the CECs scheme is a strategic initiative introduced by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE). It enables Abu Dhabi-based companies to validate their clean energy consumption claims and support the UAE’s transition towards a sustainable, decarbonised economy. Furthermore, CECs offer participating companies a competitive advantage by holding internationally recognised certificates that certify their green credentials.
Through the CECs scheme, EWEC has formed important clean energy partnerships with major companies to support their sustainability goals. Since the launch of the CECs scheme, we’ve collaborated with partners in the energy, industrial, healthcare, commercial, and retail sectors and, most recently, through a partnership with the UAE Pro League, the sports sector.
We hold quarterly auctions, and the market continues to grow for this innovative scheme. This is a testament to these companies’ commitment to tackling climate change and contributing to the country’s broader sustainability goals.
How does EWEC ensure a balance between meeting the energy and utilities needs of the present and fostering long-term sustainability for future generations?
By the second half of this century, the ultimate objective is to have transitioned from hydrocarbon to zero-carbon energy sources successfully. However, considering the timeframe of nearly three decades ahead, there remains a significant amount of work to be accomplished. Consequently, while the sector transforms into a clean and renewable-focused industry, we must ensure energy security. For this purpose, thermal plants will still support the transition to a renewable and clean-focused energy sector.
Can you elaborate on any innovative approaches or technologies that EWEC is exploring or implementing to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of its energy generation and distribution infrastructure?
EWEC is dedicated to implementing various innovative approaches to ensure a reliable and sustainable power and water supply. One of these technologies is RO desalination, which, as mentioned before, significantly enhances efficiency. Compared to traditional thermal desalination, RO enables EWEC to desalinate water with a remarkable 96 per cent improvement in efficiency. In thermal desalination, water is heated using low-grade heat from the thermal power plant, enabling salt-free water vapour to be collected. The process requires considerable amounts of thermal energy, which, at times of low power generation, needs to be supplemented by live steam from the boilers or even the burning of natural gas in auxiliary boilers to provide the necessary thermal energy. These thermal desalination units are typically situated alongside gas-fired power plants, meaning water and power are generated from the same location. In contrast, RO desalination plants use electricity directly to drive the separation process, resulting in significantly lower carbon intensity than traditional thermal desalination technology.
Moreover, RO plants contribute to decoupling water production from power generation, which addresses security of supply challenges during periods of low electrical demand, particularly in winter. By separating desalination facilities from power plants, they can be conveniently located close to areas of demand, reducing the costs associated with pumping water from production sites to consumption areas. This leads to a substantial decrease in energy usage and significantly reduces carbon footprints. The deployment of RO desalination projects brings about remarkable benefits, with total carbon emissions associated with water production projected to decrease from 11.5 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3) in 2019 to an estimated 1.4 kg/m3 by 2029, representing an approximate 88 per cent reduction.
How does EWEC recognise the significance of collaboration and partnerships in driving sustainable energy solutions, and what role do external stakeholders play in achieving the company’s goals and objectives?
Undoubtedly, no single company or sector can get to the net-zero reality alone. Only by harnessing the power of partnerships can we unlock our collective potential.
We work with leading local, regional, and international partners on our projects to ensure we utilise the latest technologies to support our strategies to decarbonise energy production.
Collaboration is key in ensuring we meet the nation’s climate goals, and we’re delighted to work with partners to make a significant impact on decarbonising energy production and consumption.