Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 2025: The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has launched a request for proposals (RFP) to develop what will become the UAE’s largest single-site carbon-capture-ready power plant. The project, named Al Nouf, is planned for the newly established Al Nouf Complex on a coastal site in southwest Abu Dhabi.
The announcement underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy infrastructure in line with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which seeks to balance rising power demand with ambitious decarbonisation targets.
A Landmark Carbon-Capture Project
The Al Nouf project will be developed under Abu Dhabi’s independent power producer (IPP) model, in which private developers partner with government entities under long-term agreements.
According to state news agency WAM, the winning bidder will be responsible for the development, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the plant, and will hold up to 40 percent ownership of the project’s special purpose vehicle (SPV). The remaining equity will be indirectly owned by the Abu Dhabi government.
The plant will operate as a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) facility with carbon-capture-ready features, reflecting the UAE’s broader push toward cleaner natural gas use and low-carbon technologies. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2029.
Power and Water Integration at Al Nouf
The Al Nouf Complex will not only house power generation capacity but will also integrate reverse osmosis desalination technology alongside seawater-cooled systems. This dual capability is expected to support both Abu Dhabi’s electricity grid and its water security strategy.
The scale of the project is significant, with the plant’s planned 3.3 gigawatts (GW) capacity positioning it as a cornerstone of the emirate’s long-term energy framework.
Strategic Role in UAE’s Energy Transition
Commenting on the launch of the RFP, Ahmed Ali Alshamsi, CEO of EWEC, highlighted the project’s role in meeting future energy demands while reducing emissions.
“The development of the 3.3-gigawatt Al Nouf power plant is a key component of our strategy to deliver an efficient, reliable, and decarbonised energy system,” Alshamsi said. “This project aligns with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and will support the nation’s efforts to integrate clean technologies and advanced power generation.”
Al Nouf is designed to complement EWEC’s portfolio of renewable and low-carbon projects, reinforcing the UAE’s leadership in sustainable energy development across the Middle East.
Submission Timeline and Investment
The deadline for proposal submissions is set for the fourth quarter of 2025. While EWEC has not disclosed the potential investment required, industry observers expect the project to attract strong international interest, given the growing role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies in the global energy transition.
By structuring the project under the IPP framework, Abu Dhabi aims to leverage both private capital and expertise, while ensuring long-term energy security for the emirate.
Building on Momentum: Zarraf Solar Project
The Al Nouf tender follows EWEC’s earlier announcement in January 2025, when the company issued RFPs to pre-qualified developers for the 1,500-megawatt Zarraf solar photovoltaic (PV) project. That project is part of the UAE’s drive to diversify its energy mix by significantly scaling up solar capacity.
Together, the Zarraf solar project and the Al Nouf power plant reflect a balanced approach, combining large-scale renewable energy with next-generation natural gas and carbon-capture technologies.
Abu Dhabi’s Long-Term Vision
The UAE has consistently positioned itself as a regional leader in sustainable power development, from pioneering large-scale solar farms to investing in hydrogen and CCS research. With the Al Nouf project, Abu Dhabi is signalling its determination to decarbonise its gas-fired power generation fleet while ensuring the reliability of its grid.
As the global energy sector transitions, projects such as Al Nouf are expected to serve as templates for integrating carbon capture with conventional power, setting the stage for other nations to follow.
For now, all eyes will be on EWEC’s tender process, with major regional and international developers likely to compete for a stake in what could become one of the most transformative power projects in the Gulf.
