EDF Renewables, KOWEPO and Masdar secure funding for Ajban solar project in Abu Dhabi

EDF Renewables, Korea Western Power (KOWEPO), and Masdar announced the financial closing of the 1.5 GW AC Al Ajban Solar Photovoltaic independent power producer project in Abu Dhabi. The project company, with EDF Renewables and KOWEPO each holding a 20 percent stake and Masdar holding a 60 percent stake, signed a 30-year power purchase agreement with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company to design, finance, build, and operate the plant.

The project has secured financing from six leading banks and financial institutions: BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole CIB, Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC Middle East, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), and Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM). The project plans to install around 3 million solar panels on single-axis trackers and is expected to supply electricity to about 160,000 households.

EWEC aims to meet more than 50 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s power requirements from renewable energy sources. According to estimates, the company is planning to add more than a GW of new solar capacity per year between 2027-2037 as UAE aims to reach net zero target by 2050.