Abu Dhabi plans to procure an estimated 5,000MW of gas-fired power plant capacity, mainly to support the UAE’s artificial intelligence (AI) strategy.

According to industry sources, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) is discussing the planned power plant projects with several potential partners and equipment suppliers.

The locations being considered are Dhafra and Al-Nouf, with the project in Dhafra likely to be developed first, sources tell MEED.

Taqa is understood to have tapped consultancy firms to advise on the project or projects.

MEED has approached Taqa for a comment.

The UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 has set eight strategic objectives, including building a reputation as an AI destination, deploying AI in priority sectors, attracting AI talent and ensuring strong governance and effective regulation.

The 5,000MW gas-fired power plant projects are separate from the two new gas-fired independent power producer (IPP) projects being planned by state utility Emirates Water & Electricity Company (Ewec), the Taweelah C combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant and the Madinat Zayed open-cycle gas turbine (OCGT) project.

The Taweelah C IPP project will have a generation capacity of up to 2,500MW and is expected to reach commercial operations in the third quarter of 2028.

The Madinat Zayed IPP project will have a power generation capacity of 1,500MW and is planned to begin commercial operations in Q3 2027.

According to Ewec, the "carbon-capture-ready" Taweelah C project will primarily provide transitional capacity to support the integration of renewable energy projects and to provide additional flexibility.

The Madinat Zayed OCGT project is expected to provide backup generation, which can be operational at very short notice.

Ewec successfully requested proposals for the two power plants in July and expects to receive bids for the contracts by the fourth quarter of this year.

Ewec awarded its last CCGT IPP nearly four years ago. Japan's Marubeni Corporation won the contract to develop the Fujairah F3 IPP in 2020.