The Fujairah F3 Thermal Power Plant in the UAE is nearing full commercial operations in 2026, as commissioning milestones are completed and system testing advances. Originally designed as a 2.4 GW combined‑cycle independent power plant, the project now supports grid reliability in the northern Emirates. Moreover, ongoing performance trials and coordination with Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) have confirmed stable output, reinforcing the UAE’s power capacity portfolio.
Fujairah F3 Power Plant completion and operational milestones
By early 2026, all four gas turbines at the Fujairah F3 Power Plant have achieved continuous running hours under load. Additionally, plants’ steam systems are fully integrated following heat recovery steam generator tests. These advances ensure that the plant is on track for commercial operation certification this year.
Transitioning from construction to operations, Samsung C&T Corporation has finalized major engineering and installation works. Meanwhile, operational readiness testing shows reliability targets consistently met. Because this station supplies vital capacity in the UAE grid, performance validation remains the top priority.
Further, integration into national dispatch systems ensures plant output supports peak demand periods. Grid operators now routinely coordinate with Fujairah F3’s control systems. Consequently, the plant will feed stable power into northern Emirates networks as 2026 progresses.
Strategic role of Fujairah F3 in UAE and GCC energy mix
Beyond project completion, the Fujairah F3 Power Plant is critical to the UAE’s strategic energy roadmap. The plant acts as part of a balanced capacity suite, complementing renewable additions like solar and future IPPs. For example, the Al‑Nouf IPP in Abu Dhabi is progressing through bid evaluation, which will further expand national capacity once awarded.
Importantly, Fujairah F3’s combined‑cycle design increases fuel efficiency and lowers emissions compared to simple‑cycle thermal plants. Therefore, it aligns with broader UAE goals for cleaner generation while ensuring energy security. In addition, the plant supports industrial demand growth around Fujairah’s ports and logistics infrastructure.
Operators and stakeholders report consistent performance during winter and summer load cycles. Because demand patterns continue rising, this capacity is timely and necessary. Moreover, the success of Fujairah F3 strengthens confidence in future UAE IPPs and long‑term power sector frameworks.
Current status, commissioning, and future outlook
As of March 2026, Fujairah F3 is in advanced commissioning status, with commercial operation expected in Q2–Q3 2026. Main systems — gas turbines, steam turbines, and HRSGs — have cleared performance validations. Additionally, environmental and emissions monitoring systems are calibrated and undergoing compliance reviews.
Contractors and operators are finalizing handover documentation through the first half of 2026. Likewise, maintenance regimes and spare parts planning are scheduled before full turnover to long‑term operators.
Thanks to strong coordination with Emirates Water and Electricity Company, grid dispatch readiness is confirmed. Operators continue optimizing connections with adjacent power stations in the region.
Looking ahead, Fujairah F3 is positioned as a template for future efficient IPP builds. Its progress provides insights for developers and financiers pursuing UAE and GCC power projects.
Similarly, Abu Dhabi continues to expand its independent power capacity through major IPP projects. The Al‑Nouf IPP has recently attracted four competitive bids, highlighting growing investment in efficient gas-fired generation.
Other components installed alongside the gas turbines
In addition to the three gas turbines, the company delivered and installed three generators. Each of the generators is 11 meters long, 5.8 meters wide, and 5.2 meters high and weighs up to 395 tons.
Reportedly, Mammoet used its 1,250 tones and two 400 tonnes crawler cranes to install these and other components. The other components include 45 modules for a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG).
Fujairah F3 project overview
The Fujairah F3 is a 2.4GW gas-fired combined-cycle power plant that is being developed at Ras Al Qidfa, Al-Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
To be precise the project, which is being developed as an integrated power producer (IPP) project, is coming up between the existing Fujairah F1 and Fujairah F2 water and power production plants within the Fujairah water and electricity complex.
The complex is located approximately 24km away from Fujairah city and about 300km northeast of Abu Dhabi, on the coast of the Gulf of Oman.
The developer and expectations for the Fujairah F3 project
The Fujairah F3 project is developed by F3 Holding Company. The company is a consortium formed by Abu Dhabi Power Corporation (ADPower, 60%) and Japan’s Marubeni Corporation (40%) in February 2020.
Upon completion and commissioning in 2023, the Fujairah F3 IPP project will be UAE’s biggest independent thermal power plant. It will have the capacity to generate enough electricity for approximately 380,000 households in the northern region of the country.
Early power generation is expected to start by the summer of 2022, with full power generation beginning in 2023. The US $1.14bn plant will be powered by a JAC-class gas turbine and it will use an efficient combined cycle technology in the region.
Reported earlier
Jul 2020
Financial closure on 2.4GW gas-fired Fujairah F3 power project in UAE reached
Abu Dhabi National Energy (TAQA) has completed financial closure on the 2.4GW gas-fired Fujairah F3 power project to be built in the UAE.
The financial closing follows the signature of the power purchase agreement and shareholder’s agreement between Abu Dhabi Power Corporation (ADPower), Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), Mubadala Investment Company, and Japan-based Marubeni.
TAQA and Mubadala will jointly hold a 60% of stake in the project and the remaining 40% stake will be held by Marubeni.
Also Read: 204MW natural gas-fired power plant in Alberta commissioned
Fujairah F3 power project
According to TAQA generation executive director Farid Al Awlaqi, the Fujairah F3 project is a landmark for TAQA and its generation assets, following the company’s integration with ADPower.
Apart from being the largest gas-fired power plant in the UAE, it will be one of the most efficient in the region by virtue of utilizing advanced combined cycle technologies.
Funding for the power plant project is being provided by a consortium of international multi-lateral and commercial banks such as Japan Bank for International Cooperation, BNP Paribas, Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Trust Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank.
Project Fact Sheet
Project Name: Fujairah F3 Power Plant
Location: Ras Al Qidfa, Fujairah, UAE
Type: Gas‑fired combined‑cycle independent power plant (IPP)
Capacity: 2.4 GW
Estimated Cost: $1.14 billion
Developer/Owner: F3 Holding Company (Abu Dhabi Power Corporation 60%, Marubeni Corporation 40%)
EPC Contractor: Samsung C&T Corporation
Installation Contractor: Mammoet (major modules and turbines)
Offtaker/Coordinator: Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC)
Financiers:
Current Status: Advanced commissioning & performance validation (2026)
Expected Commercial Operation Date: Q2–Q3 2026
Project Team
Owner / Developer:
- F3 Holding Company
- Abu Dhabi Power Corporation (60%)
- Marubeni Corporation (40%)
Offtaker / Grid Coordinator: Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC)
EPC Contractor: Samsung C&T Corporation
Major Installation Partner: Mammoet
Financial & Lending Partners:
- Japan Bank for International Cooperation
- BNP Paribas
- Mizuho Bank
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
- Sumitomo Trust Bank
Operations & Maintenance Lead: F3 Holding coordination team (post‑COD)
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