The plant will incorporate advanced “JAC”- class gas turbine technology and utilise the most efficient combined cycle technology in the region, making it the most efficient gas power plant in the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to introduce the most efficient gas-fired power plant in the country, according to a senior official.
Jasim Husain Thabet, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company’s (TAQA), announced at the 2nd World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi that the Fujairah F3 Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant will generate up to 2.4 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, making it the largest independent thermal power plant in the UAE.
Located in Fujairah’s Qidfa area, between the existing Fujairah F1 and Fujairah F2 water and electricity plants, Fujairah F3 will be capable of powering 380,000 households once operational.
The plant will incorporate advanced “JAC”- class gas turbine technology and utilise the most efficient combined cycle technology in the region, making it the most efficient gas power plant in the UAE.
Thabet did not specify a date for the launch but did mention that the Fujairah F3 power plant would replace older and inefficient gas power plants in the country.
“We need more efficient and flexible gas power plants that can allow seamless integration of renewables,” said Thabet, emphasising that gas would continue to play a crucial role in the energy transition.
The Fujairah F3 plant is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the UAE.
Despite the country’s commitment to increasing renewable energy capacity, gas power still plays a vital role in the UAE’s energy mix.
Natural gas currently accounts for a significant percentage of the country’s electricity generation, with the remaining coming from nuclear and solar energy.
While renewables are becoming more cost-competitive and more accessible, they still have limitations in terms of variability, intermittency, and storage, which makes them unable to provide continuous power supply.
Gas power can provide a stable and reliable source of energy to complement renewables, particularly during times of high demand or low sunlight or wind.
The Fujairah F3 plant’s efficient combined cycle technology can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase fuel efficiency.
The technology recovers waste heat from the gas turbine exhaust and converts it into additional power, resulting in lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional gas power plants.
The UAE has set a target of generating 50% of its electricity from clean sources by 2050, and the Fujairah F3 plant can play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
The country has made significant progress in expanding its renewable energy capacity, with the world’s largest single-site solar energy plant, Noor Abu Dhabi, and the Barakah nuclear power plant.
However, the UAE still relies heavily on natural gas, and the Fujairah F3 plant will help to transition the country towards a more sustainable energy mix while maintaining a stable power supply.
The Fujairah F3 plant is a joint venture between TAQA, Mubadala, and Marubeni Corporation. TAQA and Mubadala will own 60% of the plant, with Marubeni Corporation holding the remaining 40%.
The power purchase agreement and shareholder’s agreement were signed between the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), TAQA, and Marubeni Corporation in February 2020.
