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EDF Power Solutions and Korea Western Power Company (KOWEPO) have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for the 1.5-gigawatt (GW) Al Zarraf photovoltaic (PV) solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) project in Abu Dhabi. The agreement was finalized on the sidelines of the World Utilities Congress 2025.
This landmark project will mark the fifth utility-scale solar PV development for both Abu Dhabi and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), further cementing the emirate’s commitment to clean energy leadership.
Competitive Bidding Process Draws Global Interest
EWEC issued the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Al Zarraf project in January 2025. This followed an Expression of Interest (EOI) process initiated in October 2024. Of the 20 entities that submitted EOIs, 16 were qualified to proceed to the RFP stage after submitting Statements of Qualification.
The winning consortium will finance, design, build, operate, maintain, and partially own the project. It is expected to hold up to 40% equity, while the Abu Dhabi government will retain a majority indirect stake in the IPP company. A long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EWEC ensures payment for only the net energy generated.
1.5GW Khazna Solar Power Project Go Ahead Issued by Abu Dhabi
Supporting Abu Dhabi’s 2030 and 2035 Solar Ambitions
The Al Zarraf plant will be located in the Al Dhafra region and is projected to be one of the world’s largest single-site solar PV installations. It will generate enough electricity to power approximately 160,000 homes, significantly contributing to EWEC’s goal of reaching 10 GWac of solar capacity by 2030.
Looking ahead, EWEC anticipates that Abu Dhabi will have at least 18 GW of solar PV capacity operational by 2035, aligning with the Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Strategic Target for Electricity Production.
EDF and KOWEPO Expanding Renewable Energy Footprint in UAE
The EDF-KOWEPO consortium is also among the final bidders for the 1.5 GW Al Khazna Solar PV IPP in Abu Dhabi. According to project intelligence provider MEED, they submitted the lowest bid as of March 2025.
In a separate collaboration, EDF, KOWEPO, and UAE-based Masdar announced financial close for the 1.5 GW Al Ajban Solar PV project in September 2024—another significant solar initiative in Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy roadmap.
Fact Sheet: Al Zarraf Solar PV Project
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Al Zarraf Solar PV Project |
| Location | Al Dhafra region, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Project Size | 1.5 GW (1,500 MW) |
| Developers | EDF Power Solutions and Korea Western Power Company (KOWEPO) |
| Project Model | Independent Power Producer (IPP) |
| Equity Structure | 40% consortium-owned; majority indirect stake held by Abu Dhabi government |
| Energy Offtaker | Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) |
| Power Purchase Agreement | Long-term PPA – EWEC pays for net electrical output only |
| Homes Powered | Approximately 160,000 |
| RFP Launch | January 2025 |
| EOI Launch | October 2024 |
| Qualified Bidders | 16 companies and consortia |
| Target Completion | TBD – expected before 2030 milestone |
| Strategic Goal | Contribute to 10 GWac solar capacity by 2030, 18 GW by 2035 |
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