DEWA adds eight 132 kV substations in Dubai

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has announced the commissioning of eight new 132 kV transmission substations in the first half of 2024

These substations, with a total conversion capacity of 1,200 megavolt-amperes (MVA) and a combined cost of approximately US$370mn (AED 1.36 billion), are part of DEWA’s strategy to keep up with Dubai’s rapid development and urban growth. The projects also involved the installation of 89 kilometers of ground cables to further improve the efficiency of the 132 kV transmission network and address the rising electricity demand across the Emirate.

Dubai Energy Expansion

Al Tayer noted that some of these substations are designed to serve residential neighborhoods for Emirati citizens in Dubai, aligning with the integrated housing plan initiated by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This plan, launched by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, aims to enhance living conditions in Emirati residential areas and boost social well-being.

“We continue our relentless efforts to achieve the goals of the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, and Dubai Social Agenda 33 to provide the best living experience and residential services that are suitable for all. We also work to enhance the reliability and availability of the energy network in Dubai utilising the latest disruptive technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, smart technologies, and innovative practices across all our services and operations. This has contributed to achieving 100% in the reliability and availability of the energy transmission system in Dubai since 2018 and DEWA achieving the best performance among utilities worldwide. The total cost of DEWA’s electricity transmission network projects under construction exceeds US$1.36bn (AED 5 billion),” Al Tayer added.

The new substations were commissioned in the areas of Al Thanya 3, Al Barsha South 4, Wadi Al Shabak, Nadd Hessa, International City Phase 2, Wadi Al Safa 5, and Umm Suqeim 3. Completing these substations involved over 8 million safe working hours and employed the latest global digital technologies for transmission substations. This effort is part of DEWA’s commitment to advancing digital transformation across its services and operations, ensuring high standards of availability, reliability, efficiency, and safety.

As of the end of June 2024, the total number of transmission substations in Dubai has reached 382, including 27 400 kV substations and 355 132 kV substations. There are currently 31 132 kV transmission substations under construction, and DEWA is reviewing financial proposals for six new 132 kV substations. Over the next three years, DEWA plans to issue new tenders for the construction of more than 50 additional 132 kV transmission substations and extend 350 kilometers of ground transmission cables.

In addition, DEWA has awarded contracts for ten new 132 kV substations in various areas across Dubai, including Al Aweer 1, Umm Nahad 4, Al Manara, Umm Suqeim 2, Al Quoz Industrial 3, Hatta, Al Barsha South 3, Al Barsha 2, Wadi Al Safa 4, and Zabeel 2, with a total investment of approximately US$272mn (AED 1 billion). Contracts have also been awarded for extending 132 kV ground cables to connect these new substations to the main electricity transmission grid, totaling 25 kilometers and costing up to US$48mn (AED 176 million).