Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has awarded US$391mn contract to the consortium of Strabag Dubai, Strabag AG, Andritz Hydro and Ozkar for the construction of pumped-storage hydroelectric power station at Hatta
This is part of the Comprehensive Development Plan for Hatta, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The project is the first-of-its-kind in the Arabian Gulf and will generate 250MW. It is expected to last up to 80 years and is scheduled to be commissioned by February 2024. EDF has been appointed the consultant for this project.
This project aims to diversify the energy mix, and support the economic, social and environmental development of Hatta.
DEWA will provide leading and innovative job opportunities for UAE nationals to support the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan. These include positions at the Visitor Centre, and other outdoor activities and tourist facilities associated with the project.
"Our use of hydroelectricity is part of our drive to achieve the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to transform the emirate into a global hub for clean energy and green economy, and to increase the share of clean energy mix in Dubai to 75 per cent by 2050,? said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of DEWA.
The hydroelectric power station will use the water in the Hatta Dam, stored in an upper reservoir which will be built in the mountain. Turbines will use cheap solar power from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to pump water from the dam to the upper reservoir. The waterfall from the upper reservoir will generate electricity using turbines when required. The efficiency of the power generation and storage cycle will reach 80 per cent within 90 seconds of the response to demand for electricity.
