DEWA Reduces Carbon Emissions By 92.5 Million Tonnes Through Production Efficiency

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has recently announced a notable improvement in the efficiency of electricity and water production. The year 2023 saw a 41.73 percent increase in efficiency compared to the figures from 2006. This enhancement has led to a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, with a cumulative decrease of 92.5 million tonnes between 2006 and 2023. This achievement is equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of 484 million trees.

Al Tayer emphasized DEWA's commitment to fulfilling the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The goal is to establish Dubai as a leading global center for clean energy and green economy initiatives. He highlighted the role of innovation and ongoing improvements to production plants, alongside the adoption of advanced technologies, in achieving these efficiency gains. These efforts have not only contributed to significant carbon emission reductions but also resulted in considerable financial savings.

Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation (Power & Water) at DEWA, provided insights into the technical advancements behind these achievements. DEWA utilizes co-generation technology for producing electricity and water. This process involves Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG) that capture waste heat from gas turbines. This heat is then used to generate additional electricity and provide thermal energy for water desalination.

Moreover, DEWA has adopted an innovative hybrid system for its water desalination plants. This system combines multiple technologies, including Multi-Stage Flashing (MSF) and Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO), to maximize efficiency and minimize operational costs over the plant's lifecycle.

To further enhance efficiency, DEWA continuously updates its operation and maintenance strategies. It also collaborates with original equipment manufacturers for gas turbine upgrades, which improve their efficiency, performance, and reliability.

This strategic approach towards improving energy and water production efficiency underscores DEWA's role in supporting Dubai's vision for a sustainable future. Through innovation and technological advancement, DEWA is making significant strides in reducing environmental impact while promoting economic growth.

With inputs from WAM