Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) marked a significant milestone as its pumped storage project in Hatta reached 74% completion. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, recently conducted a site visit to assess the progress of the ambitious venture.
The plant is set to become the first of its kind in the GCC region. With a planned production capacity of 250MW and a storage capacity of 1500MWh, the facility is expected to have a lifespan of up to 80 years. The total investment in the project amounts to AED 1.421 billion.
Al Tayer's inspection revealed that the project is on track for completion in the first quarter of 2025, aligning with DEWA's commitment to meeting the vision and directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This initiative not only supports the development of Hatta but also addresses various social, economic, developmental, and environmental needs while creating innovative employment opportunities for Emiratis in the region.
During his visit to the construction site, Al Tayer received comprehensive updates on the project's progress. Highlights included the installation of power generators, the ongoing construction of service and operational facilities, and the completion of the upper dam's water intake structure and associated bridge. Notably, the main Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) wall of the upper dam, measuring 72min height, has been finished, with plans to commence filling the upper dam by the end of the year. Additionally, Al Tayer reviewed the advancements in the 1.2km-long water tunnel, which is currently being linked to the power generators.
Al Tayer emphasized that the Hatta pumped storage plant is a crucial component of DEWA's commitment to achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. These strategies aim to provide 100% of Dubai's total power production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.