Hydroelectric boost in Hatta: Dewa awards Dh1.437B construction contract to a consortium

Strategic project to diversify the energy mix, and support the economic, social and environmental development of Hatta

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has awarded the construction contract for the Dh1.437 billion pumped-storage hydroelectric power station at Hatta to the consortium comprising Strabag Dubai, Strabag AG, Andritz Hydro and Ozkar.

On November 7, 2016, as part of the Comprehensive Development Plan for Hatta, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched a major strategic project that will contribute to diversifying the energy mix in addition to developing Hatta to meet its social, economic, and environmental development needs.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, tweeted about the awarding of the contract.

"This strategic project will diversify the energy mix, and support the economic, social and environmental development of Hatta. It will also achieve the goals of the Dubai Clean Energy 2050 to provide 75% of Dubai's total power output from clean energy by 2050," he tweeted.

The project is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf and will generate 250MW. The project is expected to last up to 80 years and is scheduled to be commissioned by February 2024. EDF has been appointed the consultant for this project.

"This Dh1.437 billion pumped-storage hydroelectric power station project is part of our efforts, initiatives and plans to achieve the vision of Sheikh Mohammed. Dewa's strategy supports UAE Centennial 2071, UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021 to ensure a sustainable, happy future and support the UAE's aim to become first in everything," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and chief executive officer of Dewa.

The hydroelectric power station will use the water in the Hatta Dam, stored in an upper reservoir that will be built in the mountain. Turbines that use clean and cheap solar power from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to pump water from the dam to the upper reservoir. The waterfall from the upper reservoir will generate electricity using turbines when required. The efficiency of the power generation and storage cycle will reach 80 per cent within 90 seconds of the response to demand for electricity.

This strategic project will diversify the energy mix and support the economic, social and environmental development of Hatta. It will also achieve the goals of the Dubai Clean Energy 2050 to provide 75% of Dubai's total power output from clean energy by 2050

Dewa will provide leading and innovative job opportunities for UAE nationals to support the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan. This supports the sustainable development of Hatta to make it one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the emirate.