DEWA sets course for a sustainable future by leading Dubai’s clean energy revolution

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is embarking on a transformative journey towards sustainability, unveiling a comprehensive roadmap that integrates environmental stewardship, clean energy initiatives, and digital excellence. This strategic initiative underscores DEWA’s unwavering commitment to supporting Dubai’s ambitious sustainability goals, including the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. 

DEWA’s steadfast dedication to clean and sustainable energy is evident in its relentless pursuit of expanding production capacity. In 2023 alone, DEWA recorded a remarkable 6.3% annual increase in power demand, reaching an impressive 56.5 TWh. Notably, the organization achieved a 32.7% surge in clean power generation, totaling 6.2 TWh and constituting 11% of the total power generated. With a total capacity of 16,270MW of electricity and 495 million imperial gallons per day of desalinated water, including 2,627MW from renewable sources such as solar power, DEWA’s efforts have led to a significant reduction of 9.1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2023. 

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, reiterated the organization’s unwavering commitment to providing sustainable services, with the ambitious goal of achieving 100% clean energy production by 2050.

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At the heart of DEWA’s sustainable initiatives lies the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park operating under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. With plans to reach a production capacity of 5,000MW by 2030 and total investments amounting to AED 50 billion, the solar park currently boasts a production capacity of 2,627MW. Furthermore, DEWA’s innovative projects include the groundbreaking Green Hydrogen project, pioneering hydrogen production using solar power in the MENA region. 

In addition, DEWA is making strides in constructing a pioneering pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta, GCC’s first of its kind, with a capacity of 250MW, storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, and an impressive lifespan of 80 years. 

DEWA’s digital transformation strategy is poised to redefine its operational landscape, setting the stage for seamless and value-driven digital innovation across all divisions. With smart services adoption soaring to an impressive 99.62% by the end of 2023, DEWA’s customers conducted over 12.5 million digital transactions, underscoring the organization’s commitment to enhancing customer experiences. Initiatives such as Rammas, a customer service robot, and the Smart Document system exemplify DEWA’s efforts to revolutionize digital services. 

DEWA goes beyond conventional practices by actively engaging in environmental preservation efforts, organizing beach clean-ups, and mangrove planting initiatives. Since 2013, the organization has been diligently preparing annual sustainability reports, aligning with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and UN SDGs, thus demonstrating its steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability. 

DEWA’s relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability has earned it international acclaim, culminating in the prestigious Hydrogen Project of the Year 2023 Award for its groundbreaking green hydrogen project. As DEWA continues to forge ahead with its strategic roadmap, it remains steadfastly committed to championing sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility, thus solidifying its position as a global leader in creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come. 

Source: Solar Quarter