The construction work at the Hatta hydroelectric power plant reached 35% by the end of December 2021, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced. Upon completion, the plant’s production capacity is set to reach 250 megawatts (MW) with a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours and a lifespan of up to 80 years. This is the first of its kind in the Gulf region with investments of around AED 1.421 billion. Turbines operated by the speed of the waterfall from an upper reservoir through a 1,200-meter water tunnel will be used to generate electricity, with high efficiency in power generation and storage of up to 78.9% and with a 90-second response to demand for electricity.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said that DEWA has completed the 1,200-meter water high pressure tunnel. The first 37-metre-high Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) wall is also complete at the project’s upper dam.
“The pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta is part of DEWA’s efforts to support the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development in Dubai, and increase the share of clean and renewable energy in Dubai’s energy mix. This helps achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050. The project is also part of DEWA’s initiative to develop the area to meet its social, economic, and environmental needs, as well as provide innovative job opportunities for the people of Hatta,” said Al Tayer.
The hydroelectric power plant is part of DEWA’s efforts to diversify Dubai’s clean and renewable energy sources to include all available technologies such as solar photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power, green hydrogen production using solar power, pumped-storage water technology, and studying electricity generation from wind power in Hatta.
Al Tayer confirmed that the construction of the hydroelectric power plant uses the latest and safest drilling technologies suited to Hatta’s geological features and adheres to the strictest international environmental standards to protect the Hatta Natural Reserve.
DEWA is also implementing two other pioneering projects in Hatta, namely the Dubai Mountain Peak and Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls. These projects will promote Hatta’s position as a prominent tourist attraction in Dubai.
