Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has emerged as a trailblazer in the UAE, spearheading the development of a clean and renewable energy sector.
With a focus on sustainable development and environmental obligations, DEWA has implemented a series of techniques and projects aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.
The UAE Energy Strategy 2050, launched in 2017, marked a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to balancing energy supply and demand while meeting environmental targets.
The strategy aligns with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and positions the UAE as a leader in climate action.
DEWA’s Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050
The country aims to triple its installed capacity of renewable energy by 2030, responding to the COP28 call to double solar energy production. The ultimate goal is to achieve 100 percent energy production from clean sources by 2050.
DEWA’s Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, the first of its kind in the region, sets ambitious goals and timelines that map the Emirate’s energy future.
The strategy, which now includes a net-zero target by 2050, supports Dubai’s commitment to the government’s plans and the UAE’s efforts to promote a circular economy.
To achieve the targets set by the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy, DEWA has halted the launch of new projects using fossil fuels and prioritised the use of clean energy sources in water desalination projects.
The authority has also achieved impressive fuel consumption efficiency of about 90 percent in its production units, surpassing global benchmarks.
DEWA’s flagship project, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, stands as the world’s largest single-site solar park.
With a planned production capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030 and investments of AED 50 billion, the solar park is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to clean energy. Currently, the park’s production capacity has reached 2,627 MW.
DEWA has also launched groundbreaking projects within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, such as the Green Hydrogen project.
This initiative, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region, uses solar power to produce hydrogen.
The pilot project explores various applications of hydrogen, including energy production and transportation, and offers promising prospects for the future. DEWA’s efforts in this field were recognised with the Hydrogen Project of the Year Award in 2023.
Moreover, DEWA is constructing a pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta, the first of its kind in the GCC region.
With a capacity of 250 MW, a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, and an impressive 90-second response time to electricity demand, the project represents a significant step towards energy sustainability.
DEWA’s commitment to research and development (R&D) and innovation is evident through the establishment of the Innovation Centre and the R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
These centers focus on finding clean and efficient energy solutions using Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. To date, the R&D Centre has published 170 research papers and applied for numerous patents, showcasing DEWA’s dedication to driving innovation in the sector.
Through the Shams Dubai initiative, DEWA promotes the use of solar energy in buildings, contributing to the diversification of the energy mix and reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The initiative has installed over 620 MW of solar capacity by the end of 2023, aligning with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan.
DEWA has also played a pivotal role in supporting green mobility with its EV Green Charger Initiative.
By deploying over 390 EV charging stations across Dubai, DEWA has facilitated the growth of electric vehicles in the region. The authority plans to increase the number of charging stations to 1,000 by 2025, keeping pace with the rising demand for clean transportation.
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