Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), a leading company in water and electricity services in the UAE, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of the Al Nouf Independent Power Producer (IPP) project.

The Al Nouf will be the largest single-site carbon-capture-ready Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant in the UAE, located within the Al Nouf Complex, a coastal site strategically designated for power and water production in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The plant is designed to deliver world-class efficiency, operational flexibility, and lower emissions, supporting the UAE’s long-term decarbonisation agenda.

The Al Nouf Complex will play a pivotal role in the UAE’s energy and water security, with the successful developer or developer consortium owning up to 40 per cent of the entity.

The project is expected to begin commercial operations in Q3 2029 and will leverage state-of-the-art technologies, including digital twinning and advanced monitoring systems, to optimise lifecycle performance and system resilience. Responses to the RFP are expected in Q4 2025.

Ahmed Alshamsi, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, said: "The development of Al Nouf power plant is a key component of EWEC’s long-term strategy to deliver a flexible, efficient, and decarbonised energy system. As we accelerate the integration of renewable and clean energy into the grid, advanced natural gas-fired capacity will play an essential role in ensuring system reliability and balancing intermittency. Al Nouf’s strategic location and high-efficiency design will enhance our ability to meet future demand while supporting the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. We look forward to engaging with qualified developers and advancing this important project."