Definition

EWEC, the Emirates Water and Electricity Company, is the Abu Dhabi government entity responsible for forecasting electricity and water demand, procuring generation and desalination capacity, and managing the dispatch of power and water across the emirate. EWEC was created in 2018 as a successor to key functions of ADWEA, the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, which was restructured to separate planning and procurement from asset ownership and transmission. EWEC operates as the single buyer in Abu Dhabi’s wholesale electricity and water market, contracting with independent power and water producers through long-term agreements.

UAE Context

Abu Dhabi’s utilities sector follows an independent producer model in which EWEC contracts with private and semi-private generation companies rather than owning and operating all production assets directly. This structure has attracted significant international investment into Abu Dhabi’s energy infrastructure. EWEC manages the integration of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the Arab world’s first operational nuclear power facility, into Abu Dhabi’s grid, as well as large-scale solar projects. The entity also oversees reverse osmosis desalination investments aimed at reducing the energy intensity of water production. EWEC coordinates with TRANSCO, the transmission company, and distribution entities ADDC and AADC to ensure reliable supply.

Key Data

• Established: 2018 (successor to ADWEA procurement functions)
• Market role: Single buyer of wholesale electricity and water in Abu Dhabi
• Key assets under contract: Barakah Nuclear Plant, Noor Abu Dhabi solar, Al Dhafra solar
• Peak demand managed: Over 10,000 MW of electricity
• Desalination: Transitioning from thermal to reverse osmosis technology
• Headquarters: Abu Dhabi

Significance for Vision 2031

EWEC’s procurement strategy directly shapes Abu Dhabi’s energy transition trajectory. By contracting for nuclear, solar, and efficient desalination capacity, EWEC is systematically decarbonizing the emirate’s power and water supply. This transformation supports both the national Net Zero 2050 target and Vision 2031’s sustainability objectives while ensuring that Abu Dhabi’s rapidly growing economy has reliable, affordable utility services.

Related Terms

• DEWA - Dubai’s electricity and water authority
• TAQA - Abu Dhabi energy company that generates power under EWEC contracts
• Net Zero 2050 - Climate strategy supported by EWEC’s clean energy procurement