Abu Dhabi utility Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has shortlisted 24 from 48 international and local developers that showed interest in its latest 2GW solar start up to be located at Al Dhafra.

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

A release from EWEC featured 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 concluded Abu Dhabi's total deployed solar capacity will hit 3.2GW.

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

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