3:36 am - September 2, 2025
EWEC has issued the RFP for the Al Nouf Independent Power Producer project, a 3.3 GW carbon-capture-ready gas-turbine site designed to include seawater cooling and desalination. Bidders are invited to integrate AI and digital-twin technologies to lift performance and resilience, within a private-public ownership framework backing the UAE’s decarbonisation and renewables integration, with commercial operations slated for 2029 and responses due in late 2025.
Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has released a formal Request for Proposals for the Al Nouf Independent Power Producer project, framing it as the UAE’s largest single-site carbon-capture-ready gas-turbine facility. The Al Nouf Complex, set along Abu Dhabi’s coastline, is being planned to accommodate a 3.3 gigawatt plant with space for seawater cooling and desalination technologies, reflecting EWEC’s aim to couple power and water infrastructure with decarbonisation and flexible generation. The company says the project will provide transitional capacity to integrate renewables and strengthen system resilience as the UAE pursues its Net Zero goals. Commercial operations are targeted for 2029, with bidders invited to respond to the RFP in late 2025.
The bidding framework for Al Nouf sticks to EWEC’s established Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, where developers finance, build, own or operate the plant under long-term arrangements with EWEC as the sole procurer. The UAE owner structure for the project is described as the developer or development consortium owning up to 40% of the project company, with the remaining equity held indirectly by the Abu Dhabi Government. EWEC stresses that this setup is designed to yield a flexible, efficient asset capable of backing renewable deployment and meeting growing demand, all while pushing emissions downward. This approach—well, it’s meant to blend private initiative with public backing to speed up decarbonisation.
Bidders are asked to cover development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance, with the RFP explicitly inviting the integration of AI where relevant to lift plant performance, reliability and predictive maintenance. The procurement framework also highlights the use of digital technologies such as digital twins to optimise lifecycle performance and system resilience. EWEC has already reserved gas turbines to underpin timely project mobilisation, a move intended to accelerate delivery once a winner is chosen.
The Al Nouf project sits within a broader UAE push to reconcile secure, flexible power with decarbonisation. The Al Nouf Complex is part of EWEC’s wider plan to back renewables with high-efficiency gas, while embedding desalination capabilities to support water security. This aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 objectives and the country’s 2050 energy strategy, which anticipate continued growth in sustainable capacity alongside flexible thermal generation to balance the grid. EWEC’s public statements place Al Nouf as a flagship example of this transitional approach.
Timeline and process updates have evolved since the initial announcement. Prequalification submissions for Al Nouf began in early 2025, with MEED reporting that EWEC extended the SOQ deadline to 28 March 2025 to broaden participation. Industry observers expect the formal RFP to be issued by the end of March, with bid responses historically due by late August and commercial operation anticipated in mid to late 2029. EWEC later reiterated that responses to the RFP are expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a multi-stage process common to Abu Dhabi’s IPP framework.
Context from other industry reporting underscores the scale and timing of Al Nouf relative to EWEC’s ongoing programmes. In July 2024, EWEC launched the Taweelah C IPP, a carbon-capture-ready project that framed EWEC’s approach to large-scale, cleaner gas-fired capacity and its role in enabling renewable integration. The Al Nouf process builds on that model, with sponsors seeking a development partner capable of delivering a technically advanced asset by the late 2020s.
Industry coverage in 2025 has continued to describe Al Nouf as a milestone project, with several outlets emphasising the desalination integration and continued government participation. Reports note that the Al Nouf Complex will host a 3.3 GW gas-turbine facility designed for seawater cooling and desalination, and that AI capabilities and digital twins are expected to be embedded in the bidding requirements. Analysts also highlight how the project’s structure—anchored by government indirect equity and private sector development—illustrates the UAE’s willingness to blend public ownership with private capital to accelerate decarbonisation.
In short, EWEC’s Al Nouf IPP initiative is moving forward despite the complexity of coordinating power, water and decarbonisation at scale. By design, the project aims to provide flexible capacity to accommodate renewables, while positioning Abu Dhabi to lead in carbon capture-ready generation and digital-enabled asset management. With prequalification and tender milestones now set for 2025 and commercial operation targeted for 2029, Al Nouf represents a bold step in the UAE’s energy transition strategy, reinforcing the country’s ambition to blend reliable supply, advanced technology, and meaningful emissions reductions in a single, high-profile project.
Source Panel
– EWEC issues RFP for UAE’s largest single-site carbon-capture-ready CCGT power plant — Zawya
– EWEC issues RFP for the development of Al Nouf Independent Power Producer project — Zawya (press release)
– EWEC Seeks Proposals for Al Nouf Independent Power Producer Project — Ras Al Khaimah News
– Abu Dhabi extends Al-Nouf prequalification deadline — MEED (guest access)
– MEED: Al Nouf prequalification and planning updates — MEED (various reports)
– Al Nouf IPP context and 3.3 GW: SaudiGulf Projects / Meed / Zawya syndications
– AGBI: Abu Dhabi EWEC seeks proposals for Al Nouf carbon capture-ready IPP — Industry publication
Notes
– All attributions above reflect information published by the cited outlets through August 2025. In line with the brief, the article keeps a clear editorial distance from company claims and uses published statements and industry reporting to contextualise the development.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://carbon-pulse.com/426641/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.rasalkhaimahnews.com/ewec-seeks-proposals-for-al-nouf-independent-power-producer-project/ – EWEC has issued a Request for Proposals for the Al Nouf Independent Power Producer project, describing it as the UAE’s largest single-site carbon capture-ready gas-turbine plant. The Al Nouf Complex will host a 3.3 gigawatt facility designed to accommodate seawater cooling and desalination technologies, reflecting EWEC’s strategy to combine power and water infrastructure with decarbonisation. The project aims to provide transitional capacity to integrate renewables, improve system resilience and support UAE Net Zero ambitions. Commercial operation is targeted for the third quarter of 2029, with responses to the RFP expected by 2025. Bid requirements include AI and digital twins.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/ewec-issues-request-for-proposals-for-the-development-of-the-uaes-largest-single-site-carbon-capture-ready-ccgt-power-plant-v25oc7ln/ – EWEC has issued a formal Request for Proposals for the Al Nouf Independent Power Producer project, describing it as the UAE’s largest single-site carbon capture-ready CCGT plant. The Al Nouf Complex will accommodate a 3.3 GW gas-turbine facility with capacity for seawater cooling and desalination, aligning with EWEC’s objective to deliver flexible capacity, support renewable integration and reduce emissions. The RFP invites qualified bidders to propose development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance arrangements, with the Abu Dhabi Government retaining indirect equity. Commercial operations are expected in 2029, with selections by 2025, and the bid framework emphasises AI and digital technologies.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/projects/utilities/ewec-issues-rfp-for-uaes-largest-single-site-carbon-capture-ready-ccgt-power-plant-ljarwsrg/ – EWEC announced the launch of a bid process for the Al Nouf Independent Power Producer project, describing it as the UAE’s largest single-site carbon capture-ready CCGT facility. The Al Nouf Complex will house a 3.3 GW gas-turbine plant designed for seawater cooling and desalination, aligning with EWEC’s objective to deliver flexible capacity, support renewable integration and reduce emissions. The RFP invites qualified bidders to plan development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance, with the Abu Dhabi Government retaining indirect equity. Commercial operations are expected in 2029, with bidders required to demonstrate AI utilisation and digital twin capabilities and to submit responses in 2025.
- https://guest.meed.com/ewec-seeks-firms-for-33gw-al-nouf-power-plant/ – Meed reports that EWEC has issued a request for statements of qualifications (SOQs) from developers for the Al Nouf IPP, a 3.3 GW gas-turbine plant at the Al Nouf complex in Abu Dhabi. The article notes that EWEC is coordinating with equipment suppliers to secure gas turbines and aims to publish an RFP by March, with bids due in late August and commercial operation expected in mid-2029. The project is described as carbon capture-ready and designed to provide flexible capacity to support renewables integration. It also highlights EWEC’s intent to align with the UAE’s AI strategy and digital technologies.
- https://www.meed.com/abu-dhabi-receives-al-nouf-prequalifications/ – MEED reports that Abu Dhabi’s EWEC has begun receiving statements of qualifications for the Al Nouf 1 IPP, a 3.3GW gas-fired plant at the Al Nouf complex. The article notes prequalification submissions opened and are likely to lead to a formal RFP in 2025, with bidders preparing to participate under the UAE’s IPP framework. It mentions EWEC’s collaboration with original equipment manufacturers to secure gas turbines and the potential involvement of UAE nationals in the project. The timeline aligns with EWEC’s plan to support renewable integration and the UAE Net Zero strategy.
- https://www.agbi.com/oil-and-gas/2025/08/abu-dhabi-seeks-proposals-for-carbon-capture-power-project/ – AGBI reports that Abu Dhabi’s EWEC has issued proposals for the Al Nouf carbon capture-ready IPP, highlighting the project’s 3.3 GW capacity, the Al Nouf Complex location, and the objective to attract up to 40% equity to developers with the remainder held by the Abu Dhabi government. It notes the anticipated 2029 COD and the inclusion of AI features and digital twins in the bid requirements. The article stresses that the Al Nouf project forms part of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 initiative and aligns with EWEC’s IPP framework.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
✅ Multiple items show the narrative is current and traces to a company announcement and industry reporting. 🕰️ Earliest matching reporting located: MEED published reporting on the Al Nouf prequalification / SOQ process on 11 March 2025 (with an extension story 25 March 2025). ([guest.meed.com](https://guest.meed.com/ewec-seeks-firms-for-33gw-al-nouf-power-plant/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) Zawya and many trade outlets published a syndicated EWEC press release (August 2025 syndication dates on some sites) repeating the RFP details. ([zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/ewec-issues-request-for-proposals-for-the-development-of-the-uaes-largest-single-site-carbon-capture-ready-ccgt-power-plant-v25oc7ln/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ⚠️ Several outlets have reproduced the same press release text (syndication), indicating the narrative is largely driven by EWEC’s release rather than independent investigative reporting. If the report is presented as ‘news’ it is primarily a republishing of the company announcement. 🕰️ Because substantially similar content appeared on 11 March 2025 (MEED) — more than seven days before later syndications — earlier coverage should be flagged as recycled/ongoing rather than brand-new exclusive reporting. ([guest.meed.com](https://guest.meed.com/ewec-seeks-firms-for-33gw-al-nouf-power-plant/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Quotes check
Score:
3
Notes:
⚠️ Direct quotations attributed to EWEC (for example, Ahmed Ali Alshamsi’s comment “The development of Al Nouf power plant is a key component…” and “We look forward to engaging with qualified developers…”) appear verbatim across multiple syndicated items and the EWEC press release text. Earliest online appearance of the identical wording in the public record is from EWEC’s press release as syndicated via Zawya and trade sites (Zawya and Gulf Construction reproductions). ([zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/ewec-issues-request-for-proposals-for-the-development-of-the-uaes-largest-single-site-carbon-capture-ready-ccgt-power-plant-v25oc7ln/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) This suggests quotes are not exclusive reporting but taken from the official statement. ✅ No evidence found of a different or earlier attribution with different wording; quote reuse is consistent across outlets (i.e. identical wording), indicating the report is reprinting the company’s words rather than independently sourcing them. ([gulfconstructiononline.com](https://gulfconstructiononline.com/ArticleTA/435736/EWEC-issues-RFP-for-UAE%E2%80%99s-largest-carbon-capture-ready-power-plant?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [orepulse.com](https://www.orepulse.com/news/EWEC-issues-request-for-proposals-for-the-development-of-the-UAEs-largest-single-site-carbon-capture-ready-CCGT-power-plant?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
✅ The narrative originates from a reputable, verifiable entity (Emirates Water & Electricity Company, EWEC) and is reported by recognized industry outlets (MEED) and established business news syndicators (Zawya). ([guest.meed.com](https://guest.meed.com/ewec-seeks-firms-for-33gw-al-nouf-power-plant/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/ewec-issues-request-for-proposals-for-the-development-of-the-uaes-largest-single-site-carbon-capture-ready-ccgt-power-plant-v25oc7ln/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ✅ EWEC has an official communications channel and other recent press activity (e.g. EWEC press releases for similar IPP projects) consistent with the claims. ([ewec.ae](https://ewec.ae/en/media/press-release/ewec-invites-expression-interest-eoi-submissions-development-zarraf-solar?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ⚠️ However, much of the wider online coverage is syndication of the official release; while EWEC is credible, syndication reduces independent verification. ⚠️ Some smaller aggregators reproduced the release without editorial checks — flag as lower-quality republishing networks. ([bignewsnetwork.com](https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/278508624/ewec-issues-request-for-proposals-for-developing-al-nouf-independent-power-producer?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [saudigulfprojects.com](https://www.saudigulfprojects.com/2025/08/ewec-issues-rfp-for-al-nouf-ipp/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
✅ The technical and timeline claims (3.3 GW CCGT, carbon-capture-ready design, RFP in 2025, commercial operations target 2029) are consistent across multiple industry reports (MEED, Zawya, Gulf Construction and trade press) and align with EWEC’s known IPP model and recent programmes (e.g. Taweelah C). ([guest.meed.com](https://guest.meed.com/ewec-seeks-firms-for-33gw-al-nouf-power-plant/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/ewec-issues-request-for-proposals-for-the-development-of-the-uaes-largest-single-site-carbon-capture-ready-ccgt-power-plant-v25oc7ln/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ✅ The detail that EWEC reserved gas turbines and invited AI/digital-twin integration appears in the official RFP text or communications reproduced by syndicators and is plausible given procurement practice. ([zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/ewec-issues-request-for-proposals-for-the-development-of-the-uaes-largest-single-site-carbon-capture-ready-ccgt-power-plant-v25oc7ln/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ⚠️ If any single, surprising claim (e.g. exact equity split, or the phrase “largest single-site carbon-capture-ready CCGT”) were decisive, independent confirmation beyond the press release would strengthen confidence — currently most references mirror EWEC’s wording. ⚠️ The timeline wording varies slightly between outlets (Q2 vs Q3 2029, RFP response timing Q4 2025 vs late 2025) — these minor discrepancies should be flagged for precision. ([guest.meed.com](https://guest.meed.com/ewec-seeks-firms-for-33gw-al-nouf-power-plant/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/business/energy/ewec-issues-rfp-for-uaes-largest-carbon-capture-ready-power-plant-r0b3kd25/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
🟡 OPEN — The narrative is credible and aligns with a verifiable corporate announcement from Emirates Water & Electricity Company (EWEC), but it largely reproduces EWEC’s official release and industry-syndicated copy rather than new independent reporting. ✅ Strengths: EWEC is an identifiable, legitimate entity and industry outlets (MEED) reported the prequalification and RFP timeline as early as 11 March 2025, supporting the core factual claims (3.3 GW, carbon-capture-ready CCGT, RFP/tender timing, 2029 commercial operation target). ([guest.meed.com](https://guest.meed.com/ewec-seeks-firms-for-33gw-al-nouf-power-plant/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/ewec-issues-request-for-proposals-for-the-development-of-the-uaes-largest-single-site-carbon-capture-ready-ccgt-power-plant-v25oc7ln/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ⚠️ Major risks: 1) The text and direct quotes appear verbatim in the EWEC release and syndicated reproductions (quote reuse). ([zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/ewec-issues-request-for-proposals-for-the-development-of-the-uaes-largest-single-site-carbon-capture-ready-ccgt-power-plant-v25oc7ln/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) 2) Much coverage is republishing the company statement (recycled content) rather than independent verification — if the narrative is presented as new reporting, editors should flag that it is based on a press release. 🕰️ 3) Some outlets show small timeline/phrasing differences (Q2/Q3 2029, RFP response timing), so precise dates should be cross-checked with EWEC’s official procurement documents or the RFP itself. ([guest.meed.com](https://guest.meed.com/ewec-seeks-firms-for-33gw-al-nouf-power-plant/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/business/energy/ewec-issues-rfp-for-uaes-largest-carbon-capture-ready-power-plant-r0b3kd25/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) Recommendation: label the story as based on an EWEC press release (low originality), attribute quotes to EWEC explicitly, and if possible obtain and cite the RFP document or direct EWEC confirmation for any details that will be used as definitive (equity split, exact RFP deadlines, and turbine reservations). ‼️
