Ashurst advises on Al Ajban Solar Photovoltaic Independent Power Project in Abu Dhabi

Global law firm Ashurst has advised Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) in relation to the structuring, procurement and financing of a 1.5 gigawatt (AC) solar power plant to be developed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The Al Ajban Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Independent Power Project will be a greenfield solar PV plant located in Al Ajban, approximately 70km north-east of Abu Dhabi, UAE. The plant will have a power generation capacity of 1.5 gigawatts (AC) and, alongside EWEC's existing fleet of solar PV projects, will be one of the world's largest single-site solar power plants.

Once operational, Al Ajban Solar PV is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 160,000 homes across the UAE and reduce Abu Dhabi’s CO2 emissions by more than 2.4 million metric tonnes per year.

The Ashurst team was led by partner Luke Robottom, supported by partners Natasha Kavanagh and Matthew Wood, associates Chloe McWeeny, Georgina Quinn and Imogen Thompson and trainee solicitor Brakemi Ebi-Ogbomah. The wider team included partner Kerion Ball, senior associate Alex Peschlow and associate Glenn Morrow.

Commenting, lead partner Luke Robottom said: "We are pleased to have been able to support EWEC on another major sustainable venture, following on from the successful closing of the landmark waste-to-energy Independent Power Project in Abu Dhabi in July 2024. This project is an example of EWEC’s region leading strategic plans to decarbonise the energy sector in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and will play a key role in enabling EWEC to provide more than 50% of Abu Dhabi’s electricity from renewable and clean energy sources by 2030."