Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) has invited bids for an open-cycle gas turbine (OCGT) project in Abu Dhabi.

The OCGT plant is being tendered on a fast-track basis and is expected to have an installed capacity of between 1,000MW and 1,100MW.

The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract will be built on a lump sum turnkey basis in the Al-Dhafra region, northwest of the city of Abu Dhabi.

MEED reported in September that Taqa plans to procure an estimated 5,000MW of gas-fired power plant capacity, mainly to support the UAE’s artificial intelligence (AI) strategy.

In addition to Al-Dhafra, sources said a second site is being considered for the projects in Al-Nouf.

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

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.

Separately, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) is understood to be planning to procure a solar independent power project (IPP) to provide round-the-clock (RTC) power during the summer months.

According to industry sources, the scheme will include a substantial battery energy storage system (bess) capacity to provide RTC or 24x7 power between April and October of every year.

The solar IPP capacity being considered is about 5,000MW, while the bess capacity is approximately 20 gigawatt-hours.

It is understood that Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Water & Electricity Company (Ewec) and Masdar are working to develop or implement the project.