DEWA strengthens co-operation with the Shell Group of Companies

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), met Fakher Bader, Country Chairman of the Shell Group of Companies in Iraq and the UAE, to discuss measures to strengthen partnerships in renewable energy, innovation and sustainable development. The meeting emphasised the shared commitment of both parties to support not only the global energy transition to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, but also the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the Emirate’s energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.

Al Tayer highlighted DEWA’s strategic initiatives, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world with a planned production capacity of 7,260 megawatts (MW) by 2030. The solar park also houses the Research and Development (R&D) Centre and the Sustainability and Innovation Centre, as well as the Green Hydrogen project, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa to produce hydrogen through electrolysis powered by solar energy. This is complemented by the Hatta Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant, a 250MW project that is part of DEWA's drive to diversify its renewable and clean sources in Dubai. The project, the first of its kind in the GCC, has a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours.

Al Tayer emphasised that collaboration with global industry leaders like Shell is pivotal to achieving Dubai’s vision for a sustainable future. By integrating innovative technologies and expertise, DEWA aims to enhance operational efficiency, diversify its energy mix and contribute to the UAE’s net-zero ambitions.

Bader said Shell was honoured to collaborate with DEWA in accelerating the energy transition and emphasised that his company’s commitment to digitalisation, low-carbon solutions and sustainable practices was aligned with DEWA’s vision for a clean future.

“Shell’s global target to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 underscores our commitment to tackling climate change and supporting the Paris Agreement. We are investing heavily in low-carbon energy and aim to cut absolute emissions by 50% by 2030. Shell and DEWA are equally focused on knowledge exchange and capacity building. By equipping future energy leaders with essential skills, we are ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the UAE. Together, we are not only meeting today's energy needs but also laying the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future,” Bader added.

Key discussion areas included the expansion of renewable energy, which remains a major priority, with a strong focus on scaling up solar and clean hydrogen projects to drive the transition towards a more sustainable future. Some important areas of talks focused on speeding up the digital transformation of the utilities sector to make the most of new technologies, and encouraging research and development in smart grid solutions and artificial intelligence. Both parties emphasised the importance of innovation in achieving the UAE’s clean energy goals and enhancing operational efficiencies.

Innovation in sustainability was also at the forefront, with collaboration aimed at developing carbon reduction technologies and advancing circular economy models. Furthermore, capacity-building initiatives are fostering knowledge exchange programmes designed to empower Emirati talent with the expertise needed to lead the energy sector into a sustainable future.