The Emirates Water and Electricity Company and ACWA Power, a global leader in water desalination and power generation, have signed the water purchase agreement, for the world’s largest sea water reverse osmosis desalination plant to be constructed at Taweelah Power and Water Complex, 50 km north of Abu Dhabi. The Taweelah IWP will be the first stand-alone independent water project in Abu Dhabi. Emirates Water and Electricity Company had awarded the project to ACWA Power in January 2019.
The tariff offered by ACWA Power for the Al Taweelah IWP is the lowest achieved to date in the world for desalinated water. The project, when constructed, will also set another world record by utilizing the lowest amount of energy per gallon of desalinated water produced.
The plant will be developed on a build, own and operate basis.
2Our decision to bid for the Taweelah IWP demonstrates our confidence in the Emirates Water and Electricity Company as a reliable partner and confirms our commitment to contribute to the development of the United Arab Emirates by increasing our participation in the power generation and water desalination sectors. Through the Taweelah IWP and the enabling environment provided by Abu Dhabi, we are proud to be setting new global bench marks in both the cost of desalinated water and the energy consumed in producing that water". President & CEO, Paddy Padmanathan
Following the final award, construction of the project has started with the completion expected in October 2022. The plant is expected to deliver 909,200 cubic meter of water per day to support the industries and the community at Al Taweelah and the surrounding areas. The plant will also play a role in catering to Abu Dhabi’s peak water demand, which is expected to rise by 11% between 2017 and 2024.
"This is an especially significant project, not only because of its scale but also in its role in securing cost-effective and energy efficient potable water supply for Abu Dhabi. This project is yet another testament to ACWA Power living its mission of reliably delivering electricity and desalinated water at the lowest possible cost fuelling economic development and continuing to the health, wealth and happiness of the ultimate beneficiaries, the people of the country". Chief Investment Officer, Rajit Nanda.
The plant will be developed on a build, own and operate basis. The engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the power plant shall be undertaken by a joint venture of Abengoa and PowerChina. ACWA Power will own a 40 per cent stake in a project company that will be formed to be responsible for the Taweelah IWP. The remaining stake will belong to Abu Dhabi Power Corporation and its affiliates. Emirates Water and Electricity Company will be the off-taker for the project.
