Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), a major entity in the integrated water and electricity sector of the UAE, has released its Statement of Future Capacity Requirements 2024-2037: Summary Report for Abu Dhabi’s water and electricity production.
This comprehensive report outlines plans for the UAE’s energy transition, highlighting sustainability and the adoption of renewable and clean energy sources to meet the region’s growing demands.
One of the significant projections highlighted in the Statement is the forecast that water production in Abu Dhabi will achieve near-zero emissions, with levels less than one kilogramme per cubic meter (kg/m3) by 2031.
EWEC says that this underscores its commitment to decarbonising the UAE’s water supply, a critical aspect of the nation’s sustainability agenda.
The report also advocates for the development of an average of 1.4GW of new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity annually between 2027-2037.
It envisions a future where renewable and clean energy sources will contribute more than 50% of Abu Dhabi’s electricity by 2030, signalling a transformative shift towards a greener energy mix.
EWEC’s role in driving the clean energy transition
EWEC is a key player driving Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s transition towards a net-zero future. By spearheading initiatives to integrate renewable and clean energy solutions, along with low-carbon water technologies, EWEC is actively shaping the country’s energy landscape.
The annual Statement serves as a roadmap for achieving sustainability targets while ensuring reliable and cost-effective water and power supplies.
Decarbonised water
EWEC’s strategic focus includes revolutionising water production in Abu Dhabi through the adoption of low-carbon intensive reverse osmosis (RO) technology. This transition is projected to significantly reduce operational costs and decrease the carbon intensity of water production by a staggering 93% by 2031.
With plans to expand RO capacity substantially, EWEC aims to deliver nearly carbon-free water to meet the region’s burgeoning demand sustainably.
Expanding solar power capacity
The Statement underscores EWEC’s commitment to scaling up solar PV capacity in Abu Dhabi, with installed capacity expected to reach 7.5GW by 2030.
The recommendation to develop additional solar PV projects aligns with EWEC’s track record of commissioning some of the world’s largest solar initiatives.
By leveraging solar energy, Abu Dhabi aims to achieve energy independence while reducing its carbon footprint.
Transitioning towards battery energy storage systems
EWEC advocates for the deployment of 400MW of battery storage capacity by 2026 to enhance system flexibility and provide operational reserves. Diversifying the portfolio of assets and embracing innovative technologies will be crucial in ensuring a robust and resilient energy infrastructure capable of integrating renewable sources seamlessly.
Future outlook and decarbonisation goals
EWEC’s approach extends to driving significant reductions in emissions from electricity and water production. Despite increasing demand, the company projects a remarkable 50% decrease in total CO2 emissions by the mid-2030s.
The transition to renewable energy sources and the optimisation of operational processes will contribute to achieving these ambitious decarbonisation targets.
Transitional gas capacity
While EWEC accelerates its transition towards renewable energy, gas-fired plants remain integral to ensuring energy security during the transformation phase.
Transitional gas capacity will play a key role in supporting the integration of renewable energy projects and meeting peak power demands until cleaner alternatives are fully established.
Commitment to clean energy mandates
Mandated by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Strategic Target, EWEC is tasked with ensuring that 60% of the emirate’s energy needs are met by renewable and clean energy sources by 2035.
With a clear vision and strategic initiatives in place, EWEC says it is at the forefront of driving sustainable energy transformation in the UAE, and it is set to shape a greener and more resilient future for generations to come.
