Clean Energy Export From Hatta To Dubai Scheduled To Start In April 2025

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), announced that the Hatta hydroelectric power plant will start supplying clean energy to Dubai in April 2025. Operational tests for this facility began in January 2025. This plant is the first of its kind in the GCC region, marking a significant milestone in clean energy production.

The hydroelectric power plant is designed as an energy storage facility with a turnaround efficiency of 78.9%. It utilises water stored in an upper dam to generate electricity. Water flows through a 1.2-kilometre tunnel, turning turbines to produce electricity. This energy can be supplied to DEWA’s grid within 90 seconds when needed.

Al Tayer emphasised that this project aligns with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. These initiatives aim for all of Dubai's power production capacity to come from clean energy by 2050. The Hatta plant is part of DEWA's broader strategy to diversify renewable energy sources.

The project is nearly complete, with a completion rate of 96.82%. It has a production capacity of 250 megawatts (MW) and a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours. The plant is expected to operate for up to 80 years, with an investment cost of AED 1.421 billion.

During his visit, Al Tayer reviewed construction progress, including generator installations and preparations for trial operations set for early 2025. The upper dam features a main wall standing at 72 metres high and a side dam at 37 metres high, both filled for upcoming trials.

The plant will use clean power from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to pump water back into the upper dam. This process converts electrical power into kinetic energy, enabling efficient energy storage and management.

Al Tayer highlighted that DEWA's efforts include various technologies like solar photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power, and green hydrogen production using renewable energy sources. These initiatives are part of DEWA's commitment to expanding clean energy solutions in Dubai.

This initiative represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable energy goals in Dubai. By integrating innovative technologies, DEWA aims to enhance its renewable energy portfolio while supporting environmental sustainability objectives.

With inputs from WAM