Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has emerged as a pioneer in the UAE, leading the way in developing a clean and renewable energy sector.
Focused on sustainable development and environmental responsibilities, DEWA has implemented various methods and projects to improve energy efficiency and decrease reliance on traditional energy sources.
The UAE Energy Strategy 2050, introduced in 2017, was a significant step in the country’s dedication to balancing energy supply and demand while meeting environmental goals.
The strategy is in line with the Paris Agreement’s objectives and establishes the UAE as a frontrunner in climate action.
DEWA’s ambitious renewable energy targets in response to COP28
DEWA’s Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 aims to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030, responding to the COP28 call to double solar energy production, with the ultimate goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy production by 2050.
Its Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, the first of its kind in the region, sets ambitious targets and schedules that outline the Emirate’s energy future.
The strategy, now including a net-zero goal by 2050, supports Dubai’s dedication to the government’s plans and the UAE’s efforts to promote a circular economy.
To meet the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy’s goals, DEWA has halted new projects using fossil fuels and prioritised clean energy sources in water desalination projects.
The authority has achieved an impressive fuel consumption efficiency of around 90 percent in its production units, surpassing global standards.
Green Initiatives taken by DEWA
DEWA’s flagship project, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, is the world’s largest single-site solar park.
With a planned capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030 and investments of AED 50B, the solar park demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to clean energy. Currently, the park has a capacity of 2,627 MW.
DEWA has also initiated pioneering projects within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, such as the Green Hydrogen project.
This initiative, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region, uses solar power to produce hydrogen.
The pilot project explores various hydrogen applications, including energy production and transportation, offering promising prospects for the future. DEWA’s efforts in this area were recognised with the Hydrogen Project of the Year Award in 2023.
Additionally, DEWA is building a pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta, the first in the GCC region.
With a capacity of 250 MW, a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, and a quick 90-second response time to electricity demand, the project represents a significant stride towards energy sustainability.
DEWA’s Innovation & R&D Centers Drive Solar Park Advancements
DEWA’s commitment to research and development (R&D) and innovation is evident through the establishment of the Innovation Centre and the R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
These centres focus on finding clean and efficient energy solutions using Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. To date, the R&D Centre has published 170 research papers and applied for numerous patents, demonstrating DEWA’s dedication to driving innovation in the sector.
Through the Shams Dubai initiative, DEWA promotes solar energy usage in buildings, aiding in diversifying the energy mix and reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
By the end of 2023, the initiative had installed over 620 MW of solar capacity, aligning with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan.
DEWA has also played a crucial role in supporting green mobility with its EV Green Charger Initiative.
By installing over 390 EV charging stations across Dubai, DEWA has facilitated the adoption of electric vehicles in the region. The authority plans to increase the number of charging stations to 1,000 by 2025, keeping up with the growing demand for clean transportation.