In 2026, a 2.6 gigawatt combined cycle gas turbine power plant is about to commence construction in the Tawila region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The consortium led by a subsidiary of China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) has been awarded an EPC contract worth 1.687 billion US dollars (approximately 11.42 billion yuan) for the project. This is one of the largest power generation EPC contracts obtained by China Energy Construction in the Middle East, further consolidating its competitive advantage in the Gulf Cooperation Council power industry.

2.6GW power station, to be put into operation in 2029

The Taweelah C Independent Power Plant (IPP) project is located in the Tawila area of Abu Dhabi, with a planned installed capacity of 2.6 gigawatts and advanced Siemens Energy H-class gas turbine technology. The power plant design supports the integration of future carbon capture technologies while providing flexible and efficient power generation capabilities. The project is expected to start commercial operation in 2029 and has signed a long-term power purchase agreement with the United Arab Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), valid until 2050.

Multi party giants join forces

The EPC contract is awarded by the project company. The project company is established by a consortium consisting of TAQA (holding 60% of the shares), AlJomaih Energy and Water Company, and Shengke Industrial Company (holding a total of 40% of the shares). The EPC consortium includes China Energy International Group Co., Ltd., China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Thermal Power Engineering Co., Ltd., and China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd.

Supporting the Energy Transition of the United Arab Emirates

The Taweelah C project is an important supporting project for the energy transition in the United Arab Emirates. As a 2.6GW large-scale combined cycle power station, it not only undertakes the task of ensuring power supply, but also provides flexible peak shaving capabilities for large-scale grid connection of renewable energy in the future. This project will play a key role in strengthening Abu Dhabi's power supply, enhancing grid flexibility, and promoting the integration of more renewable energy into the UAE grid. The acquisition of a $1.687 billion EPC contract by China Energy Engineering further highlights the competitive advantage of Chinese enterprises in the high-end power engineering market in the Middle East. Editor/Yang Beihua