Dubai is set to unveil the Gulf’s inaugural hydroelectric power plant in 2025, solidifying its position as a key player in regional clean energy initiatives.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, recently visited DEWA’s upcoming hydroelectric plant in Hatta to assess the progress of the groundbreaking $387M project, the first of its kind in the GCC region.
Sheikh Hamdan Emphasizes Dubai’s Dedication to Sustainable Growth and Green Economy
During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan underscored Dubai’s commitment to expanding sustainable infrastructure and reinforcing its status as a green economy hub, aligning with the vision and directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Highlighting Dubai’s prowess in the clean energy sector, Sheikh Hamdan stated, “DEWA’s progress in implementing sustainable projects underscores the efficiency of our national workforce and the agility of our organizations in executing projects efficiently.” He further mentioned that the hydroelectric plant, currently at an 80% completion rate, is slated to be operational by the beginning of 2025, contributing to the realization of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Net Zero Strategy 2050, aiming for 100% of energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that such accomplishments affirm the country’s positive role in addressing climate change effects and its influential global position in climate action, exemplified by its hosting of COP28 in Expo City Dubai.
During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan received a briefing from Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, on the progress of the hydroelectric power project. With a total investment of AED 1.421B ($387M), the project is set to have a capacity of 250 MW, a storage capacity of 1,500 MWh, and a lifespan of 80 years.
The hydroelectric plant represents a crucial element of DEWA’s sustainable project portfolio, incorporating state-of-the-art technologies.
DEWA’s Commitment to World-Leading Services and Sustainable Solutions
DEWA’s dedication to providing world-leading services and actively pursuing sustainable solutions for present and future challenges, particularly those related to climate issues, is evident in such initiatives.
By adopting these advancements, Dubai aims to bolster its status as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking cities globally, playing a significant role in realizing Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer remarked, “DEWA has devised a comprehensive plan to advance sustainable development, enhance Dubai’s global leadership in sustainability and the green economy, and formulate solutions to mitigate carbon emissions and counteract the effects of climate change.”
Al Tayer underscored that DEWA’s sustainability projects contribute to the UAE’s preparations to host COP28, with the hydroelectric power plant in Hatta serving as a pivotal element of DEWA’s initiatives to diversify energy sources and invest in the energy storage sector.
He emphasized that COP28 provides an opportunity to promote the UAE as an ecotourism destination and showcase the nation’s success story in the field of sustainability.
The hydroelectric power station is set to leverage water from the Hatta Dam and a recently constructed upper reservoir in the mountains.
In periods of low demand, advanced turbines will capture clean energy to transfer water from the dam to the upper reservoir, according to Arabian Business.
Following this, turbines powered by the velocity of the waterfall from the upper reservoir will produce electricity through a 1.2km underground water canal.
This system demonstrates notable efficiency in both power generation and storage, achieving an impressive 78.9 per cent, and boasts a rapid 90-second response to electricity demand.
