Global professional services firm Turner & Townsend has been appointed by TAQA Transmission to provide programme management consultancy services for the retirement and replacement of a major power generating plant in Abu Dhabi.
The existing facility, located in the east of the emirate, has a capacity of 1,640MW and 1,200MVAr and will be decommissioned in 2029. In its place, TAQA Transmission plans to develop an upgraded, energy-efficient plant that will integrate solar and nuclear power into the grid, supporting the UAE’s decarbonisation and clean energy transition.
Turner & Townsend will establish a Programme Management Office (PMO) to guide delivery of the project and support a comprehensive upgrade of Abu Dhabi’s power transmission and distribution network. The scope includes the construction of new grid and switching stations, substations, cable corridors and works, capacitor banks, and high-voltage overhead lines.
Formerly known as TRANSCO, TAQA Transmission is responsible for ensuring the UAE’s power infrastructure meets the demands of a rapidly growing economy while embracing innovation and sustainability.
Details at this stage are limited but it is likely contractors will be required for both the decommissioning and construction phases of this major infrastructure project.
“In our role as programme management consultant, we are thrilled to be helping TAQA Transmission deliver its future-fit energy infrastructure,” said Tarek Hamade, Regional Lead, Natural Resources, Middle East, Turner & Townsend. “Following the pending retirement of the plant, a large-scale project such as this demands innovative delivery models to achieve optimal performance.
“We look forward to working with TAQA Transmission on this groundbreaking clean energy transmission project, creating a more sustainable environment for all and ensuring a reliable and efficient supply of power across Abu Dhabi and its surroundings.”
The appointment underscores Turner & Townsend’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s net-zero ambitions through major energy and infrastructure programmes, combining technical expertise with strategic programme management.
