Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC. Credit: EWEC

Abu Dhabi utility Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has shortlisted 24 out of the 48 international and local developers that expressed interest in its latest 2GW solar venture to be located at Al Dhafra, according to Reuters.

The tender, first announced back in February, forms part of a series of projects approved by the higher Committee for the Water and Electricity Sector in Abu Dhabi. The 2GW installation is expected to achieve commercial operations during the first quarter of 2022.

A release from EWEC highlighted that this project will be nearly double the size of its other major plant, the 1,177MW Noor Abu Dhabi at Sweihan completed in April. Once completed Abu Dhabi's total deployed solar capacity will hit 3.2GW.

Successful bidders will hold 40% equity in the project, with the remaining stake held by local entities.

Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC, said: “The new solar project in Al Dhafra marks yet another milestone in EWEC’s commitment to the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to increase the contribution of clean energy as part the country’s overall energy mix. The strong interest expressed so far illustrates the attractive business model and reaffirms the strong case for investment in UAE’s renewable energy sector.”