China State Secures EPC Deal for Tawazun Industrial Park Solar PV Project in Abu Dhabi

China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East (CSCEC ME) has been awarded the EPC contract by Emerge, the Masdar‑EDF joint venture, to deliver a 13.25 MWp utility‑scale solar power plant at Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi.

Project Scope and Partners

• Client/Developer: Emerge (Masdar‑EDF JV)

• EPC Contractor: CSCEC ME – the regional arm of the world’s largest construction firm

• Project Size: Approximately 11.5 MWp ground-mounted array and 1.75 MWp car‑port arrays

• Warranty Requirement: 24‑month operation and maintenance guarantee

• Estimated CO₂ Savings: Around 14,064 tonnes annually—equivalent to removing roughly 25% of Tawazun’s carbon footprint

Emerge has already announced a broader expansion of its solar and storage portfolio in the Gulf, seeking significant funding to support its next phase.

Strategic Context

This plant adds to Abu Dhabi’s growing renewable energy portfolio, building on flagship installations like the 585 MW Al Dhafra PV project and reinforcing the UAE’s goal of renewables contributing 44% of energy by 2050. It also marks CSCEC ME’s entry into large-scale UAE solar projects, highlighting its rising stature in the region.

Risk Assessment

Technical Challenges

• Desert conditions bring soiling and high temperatures, which could affect PV performance

• Car‑port installations need robust design for shade, wind loading, and dust mitigation

Execution Risks

• Project logistics require seamless flow of modules and inverters across borders

• Customs clearance and installation schedules must align to avoid delays

O&M Liabilities

• CSCEC’s two-year warranty makes long-term performance monitoring and preventive maintenance critical

Impact Analysis

Environmental

• The plant cuts over 14,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually

• Promotes decarbonisation at a key industrial hub in line with national net‑zero goals

Economic

• Creates jobs in construction and solar technology

• Supports growth in the UAE’s clean tech sector and builds local expertise

Industry

• Reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a renewable energy centre

• Signals CSCEC’s growing influence in Middle Eastern renewable infrastructure

Delivery Team & Ecosystem

• EPC: CSCEC ME – taking charge of design through to commissioning and warranty

• Developer: Emerge – handling BOOT delivery and 25-year plant operations

• Suppliers: Solar modules, trackers, inverters, grid connection equipment from leading international manufacturers

• O&M Teams: Local contractors providing maintenance during the warranty period

Emerge is preparing for a large-scale renewable expansion across the Gulf, with project funding targeting around $300 million to support a pipeline that includes solar and battery storage.

Outlook

Site mobilisation is expected in late 2025, with commissioning anticipated soon after. This project strengthens both Abu Dhabi’s renewable ambitions and CSCEC’s regional credentials. As Emerge secures further projects and finance, it helps accelerate the UAE’s transition to a diversified, decarbonised energy mix.