Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has no time frame to issue a request for proposals for Noor 1, but is putting together a list of companies that will be eligible to bid for it in the future.

“We are compiling a list of EPC contractors who we can invite to bid,” says Yousef Al-Ali, associate director of Masdar Clean Energy. “We have done both EPC and independent power projects (IPPs) in the past, and no decision has yet been made on this project.”

More than 40 companies submitted expressions of interest for the 100MW solar photovoltaic project in October 2014, after the project was revived.

MEED reported in February 2015 that lower oil prices would lead to restrained spending in the emirate.

“Our focus is always on Abu Dhabi and we pursue all opportunities there aggressively,” says al-Ali. “But we are also a global developer and we are open for all opportunities whether we develop projects from scratch or partner with other developers.”

Over the past four years, Masdar has been more active in investing in projects outside the UAE.

“We are looking for areas with stable legislation for renewable energy that will allow a safe investment with good returns,” he continues. “Our priority is the Middle East and North Africa, followed by Europe and North America.”

This means Masdar is investing in Egypt, Jordan and Morocco, as these are the only active investment markets with clear policies. Some new projects have already been selected there.

“Egypt will be the biggest in terms of capacity,” says al-Ali. “We are looking at joining the feed-in tariff scheme there, whether in joint venture with another company or by ourselves.”

Masdar has also been working with Egypt’s New & Renewable Energy Authority on a 200MW scheme in the Gulf of Suez since 2010. It is now in the later stages of planning and Masdar expects to start tendering the project in 2016.

Masdar’s project in Jordan, 117MW Tafila wind farm, is at a more advanced stage. It is currently being commissioned and is expected to be commercially operational in 2015.

“Tafila was the first utility-scale wind farm in the region,” says Al-Ali. “It is a bankable project, financed by international lenders and with the power purchase agreement (PPA) we expect good returns.”

Masdar has also bid on the 350MW Noor Ouarzazate projects in Morocco in partnership with GDF Suez in 2014, but was edged out by Saudi Arabia’s Acwa Power.

Masdar works closely with governments across the region on various initiatives driven and funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. These include solar rooftop schemes in Egypt and Morocco, and getting renewables off the ground in Oman.

Bids have now been submitted for the 50MW Harweel Wind Farm in Oman. Masdar is working in partnership with Oman’s Rural Areas Electricity Company and providing funding for the $200m project.

“We are government-owned, so when it comes to working with other governments in the region, we cooperate on knowledge exchange, and research and development,” says Al-Ali. “It’s not just commercial, but human capital too.”