EWEC invites submissions for 400MW BESS power project to boost clean energy deployment

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has issued an invitation to developers and consortiums to submit their Expression of Interest in developing an independent greenfield 400-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) power project.

EWEC, a leading company in the integrated coordination of planning, purchasing and supply of water and electricity across the UAE, will deploy BESS to provide additional flexibility to the system, and ancillary services such as frequency response and voltage regulation.

The technology will play a crucial role in EWEC’s strategic plan to diversify its portfolio of energy projects with a focus on sustainability, in addition to increasing its total solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation capacity to 7.5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.

By implementing such critical strategic renewable energy projects, EWEC expects to reduce its average carbon dioxide intensity from power generation by approximately 42% - from 330 kilogrammes per megawatt hour (kg/MWh) in 2019 to an estimated 190kg/MWh by 2030.

Opportunity to play a role in driving emirate’s clean energy goals

The EOI invitation was issued Thursday, with a deadline of March 22, 12pm GST, for the first stage of the tender process.

Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC, said: “This project is a key part of our strategy to achieve the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035, and supports the UAE’s wider sustainability and decarbonisation objectives.

“Importantly, it also actively enhances the reliability of the nation’s energy infrastructure.”

He continued: “Compared to traditional grid storage solutions, BESS offers unmatched advantages, including increased flexibility, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and improved efficiency.

“EWEC continues to see BESS as a critical investment to manage system operability when large amounts of renewables are synchronised to the power system.”

The project will closely follow the model of Abu Dhabi’s successful independent power project programme, where developers enter into a long-term agreement with EWEC as the sole procurer.

Battery capacity will boost system operability and network stability

This one will involve the development, financing, construction, operation, maintenance and ownership of the BESS and associated infrastructure. The RFQ will provide additional details regarding the project, pre-qualification criteria and the bidding process.

“We look forward to receiving EOI submissions from developers and developer consortiums to partner with us in accelerating the UAE’s energy transition,” added Al Ali.

Contribute to decarbonisation strategy and renewable energy options

EWEC is the sole procurer and supplier of water and electricity in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and fulfils these vital responsibilities through the short-term and long-term balancing of bulk supply and demand for distribution companies and authorities in Abu Dhabi and other emirates.

The entity is supporting the government of Abu Dhabi and the government of the UAE by enabling cost reduction, while also providing the increased security of supply that comes from a cleaner, larger, and more integrated system.