Photo used for illustrative purpose.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa), emphasised that in line with the vision and directives of the wise leadership, Dubai’s state-of-the-art infrastructure in various sectors such as electricity, water, transportation, airports, and ports, established over decades and continually developed and modernised according to the best international standards, has consolidated its position as the best city in the world to live and work and a global hub for the economy and trade.

Al Tayer made these remarks in his keynote speech titled “Leading Projects Enhancing Sustainability” at the 9th Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF), held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. DIPMF is organised by Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) in partnership with Dewa.”

During the UAE’s hosting of the most successful edition of the World Climate Conference (COP28), His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the largest concentrated solar power (CSP) project in the world, within the fourth phase of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world based on the independent power producer model. This was part of Dubai’s achievements in the Year of Sustainability and launching projects that support the climate, aligning with the objectives of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.

The 950MW fourth phase is the largest investment project, with investments amounting to Dhs 15.78 billion. The project features the world’s tallest CSP tower at over 263 metres and the largest thermal energy storage capacity of 5,907 megawatt-hours, according to Guinness World Records.

Dewa also signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) to build and operate the 1,800MW 6th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, at a cost of Dhs5.51 billion.

Commissioning the 6th phase by 2026 will increase the Solar Park’s current production capacity of 2,627MW to 4,660MW,” said Saeed Al Tayer.Al Tayer noted that as part of its efforts to contribute to enhancing the prosperity of Dubai’s economy, Dewa has become a global role model in the efficiency and reliability of energy and water, providing services according to the highest standards of reliability, efficiency, and quality.

Dewa keeps pace with the increase in demand for energy and water by increasing production capacity, currently at 16,270 MW of electricity and 490 million imperial gallons (MIGD) per day of desalinated water.

This is in addition to increasing the capacity of transmission and distribution networks to keep pace with the great expansion that Dubai is witnessing.

As of June 30, 2023, the value of the total fixed assets in which Dewa has invested exceeded Dhs214 billion.

The capital value of Dewa’s projects between 2024 and 2028 is about Dhs42 billion.

“We have strong, increasing, and sustainable growth in demand for energy and water in Dubai. The peak electricity load in 2023 rose by 9 per cent, and the peak water demand rose by 5 per cent. This is a result of urban prosperity, economic growth, and the steady increase in population.

Dewa provides services to Dubai’s residents, exceeding 3.6 million people, and more than 4.7 million during the day. As part of our efforts to enhance climate action, we have limited new water desalination projects to reverse osmosis technology using clean energy.

“Our shift towards the Independent Water and Power Producer (IWPP) model and strengthening partnerships with the private sector have contributed to attracting investments worth more than Dhs43 billion. As part of our efforts to enhance water security in Dubai using sustainable sources, we signed the Water Purchase Agreement and Shareholder Agreement for the 180 MIGD Hassyan Phase 1 Independent Water Producer project, with an investment of over Dhs3.3 billion,” said Al Tayer.

“This project will be the world’s largest solar energy-powered desalination plant, supporting the Dubai Integrated Water Resource Management Strategy 2030, which focuses on enhancing water resources and using cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions. DEWA’s SWRO production capacity will increase to 303 MIGD by 2030, around 42 per cent of the total desalinated water production capacity, which will reach 730 MIGD.

Reverse osmosis technology has several advantages, making it an ideal choice compared to other water desalination technologies, improving operational efficiency, and supporting the strategic move towards clean energy.