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UAE Adds 2.6GW Capacity With New Al Zawra Power Plant

Prime Highlights-

  • UAE plans Al Zawra gas-fired power plant in Ajman to meet rising AI and industrial demand.
  • Project targets construction start in 2027 and commercial operations by 2030, adding 2.6 gigawatts.

Key Facts-

  • EtihadWE signs reservation agreement with Siemens Energy for gas and steam turbines.
  • Turbine deliveries set for 2029, with construction beginning in early 2027.

Background-

The UAE plans to build a new gas-fired power plant in Ajman as rising population, industrial expansion and artificial intelligence infrastructure drive electricity demand across the Northern Emirates. The Al Zawra project is expected to begin construction in early 2027, with commercial operations starting in 2030 and adding 2.6 gigawatts of capacity.

UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei said the project reflects the country’s long-term approach to energy security, supporting the Northern Emirates through a period of accelerated growth. Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) CEO Eng.

Yousif Al Ali said the project forms part of the utility’s effort to prepare ahead of long-term electricity demand, citing population growth, industrial expansion and the rise of a digital economy as key drivers of network load.

EtihadWE has signed a reservation agreement with Siemens Energy for gas and steam turbines to supply the Al Zawra plant, formalized during a visit to Siemens Energy’s Berlin facilities.

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the agreement reflects the strategic partnership between the UAE and Germany in energy, technology and infrastructure.

Al Ali confirmed construction will begin in the first quarter of 2027, with turbine deliveries set for 2029 ahead of commercial operations in 2030. He identified expanding residential communities, new manufacturing and growing AI-ready data centres as the main drivers of demand, noting that gas-fired assets like Al Zawra will provide flexible capacity as renewable energy expands.