DEWA to build hydroelectric plant in Hatta

In the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

In the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD&CEO of DEWA, announced today a major strategic project in Hatta. The project includes building a hydroelectric power station in the mountains next to the Al Hattawi dam in addition to other development projects.

“We are pleased to play a role in the development of Hatta. We are inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which outlines the roadmap that guides our work, initiatives, and developmental projects to achieve the UAE Vision 2021. The UAE Government wants to ensure sustainable development while preserving the environment, and to achieve a perfect balance between economic and social development. This adheres to the directives of our wise leadership, to transform the UAE into one of the best countries in the world by 2021, when we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Union”, said Al Tayer.

“In November 2015, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75% of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy by 2050.To achieve this strategy, it’s my pleasure to announce a major strategic project that will contribute to diversifying the energy mix in addition to developing Hatta to meet its social, economic, and environmental development needs. We will build a hydroelectric power station that will make use of the water stored in the mountains next to Al Hattawi dam. This project is the first of its kind in the GCC. It will produce 250MW with a lifespan of 60-80 years,” added Al Tayer.

“The power station will work by making use of two reservoirs. The first is the lower reservoir, which is currently located in Al Hattawi Dam. This reservoir is 400 metres above sea level and its capacity is 1,716 million gallons. An upper reservoir will be built in the shape of a lake and will be 700 metres above sea level. The horizontal distance between the two reservoirs will be 3-4 kilometres with 300 metres difference in height. Solar energy, which is the cheapest form of energy, will be used to power water turbines to pump water from the current lower reservoir to the upper reservoir that will be built. The speed of waterfall from the upper reservoir will be used to generate electricity and connect it to DEWA’s grid. The efficiency of the power station will reach 90% with response to demand for energy within 90 seconds,” noted Al Tayer.

“The project will create jobs, contribute to human and economic development, and enhance tourism through world-class tourist facilities in Hatta that we will develop in cooperation with one of the developers. Over 2,000 jobs will be required during the implementation phase, while over 200 permanent technical and administrative jobs will be needed to oversee the operation and maintenance of the station and its facilities. Another 300 jobs are expected to be created for the Visitor and Tourist Centre, outdoor activities, and the accommodation and visiting facilities associated with the project. Other than energy and irrigation, the project will provide other services including flood control and storing fresh drinking water. DEWA will implement other projects and initiatives in Hatta including installing photovoltaic panels on rooftops of buildings for Emiratis in Hatta through the Shams Dubai initiative, installing smart meters in the buildings and houses using the latest international systems, through the Smart Grid and Meters initiative, and establishing the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations through the Green Charger initiative. Currently, there is a 132kV substation, and a 900mm main water pipe in the region that meets the existing and future needs of the people in Hatta,” added Al Tayer.

“We promise His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, that we will continue our ambitious projects and initiatives to enhance a sustainable future for generations to come,” concluded Al Tayer.