Dubai's Hatta Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Plant: A Milestone in Clean Energy Production
In a significant stride towards sustainable energy solutions, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced that the ambitious pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant located in Hatta will initiate a gradual energy export to Dubai in April 2025. This pioneering facility marks a pivotal development in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region’s energy landscape, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to pioneering innovative renewable energy projects.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DEWA, confirmed that rigorous operational tests have been underway since January 2025, as the project enters its final phases. During a recent inspection of the facility, which is currently 96.82% complete, Al Tayer undertook a comprehensive review of the plant’s progress and operational readiness.
The Hatta facility stands as a hallmark of engineering and innovation, boasting an investment of AED 1.421 billion. Its design incorporates two dams—the existing Hatta Dam and a newly constructed upper dam nestled in the mountains—which work synergistically to harness water for electricity generation. With a substantial production capacity of 250 megawatts (MW) and a storage capacity that can accommodate 1,500 megawatt-hours of energy, the plant is poised to play a vital role in bolstering Dubai’s energy infrastructure. Furthermore, its expected operational lifespan of up to 80 years underscores its long-term viability and impact.
Al Tayer emphasized that the Hatta plant aligns seamlessly with Dubai’s ambitious Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and its Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. These strategies articulate the Emirate’s vision for achieving 100% clean energy generation by mid-century, setting a powerful example for regional and global energy transition efforts. In his remarks, Al Tayer underscored the importance of DEWA’s ongoing initiatives to diversify renewable energy sources, with a focus on solar photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power, and the burgeoning field of green hydrogen production.
During his visit, Al Tayer was provided with a detailed update on the plant’s construction progress, including the successful installation of essential generators. The facility is scheduled to commence trial operations in the first quarter of 2025, marking an exciting timeframe for energy innovation in the region. The upper dam, characterized by a formidable main wall standing 72 meters high and a side dam measuring 37 meters, has been filled in preparation for the forthcoming testing phases.
Technical specifications reveal that the plant is designed as a strategic energy storage facility, with a remarkable turnaround efficiency of 78.9%. This innovative system harvests the potential energy of stored water and converts it into electricity within a rapid 90 seconds when demand spikes. The integration of excess solar energy, primarily sourced from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, is critical for the system’s operation, enabling the pump-back of water to the upper dam and establishing a virtuous cycle of sustainable energy production.
The establishment of this pumped-storage hydroelectric facility in Hatta not only aligns with DEWA’s vision for a cleaner energy future but also represents a promising development for the regional economy. As Dubai continues to emerge as a global leader in sustainable development, the Hatta project illustrates the synergies between innovative engineering, environmental stewardship, and economic growth.
As the UAE seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and enhance its renewable energy portfolio, the Hatta pumped-storage project stands as a beacon of progress. It sets a new standard for energy solutions in arid regions, showcasing the potential of hydropower as part of a diversified and sustainable energy mix.
In conclusion, the Hatta pumped-storage hydroelectric plant reflects a pivotal moment in Dubai’s energy evolution, encapsulating the Emirate’s unwavering dedication to sustainable development. As the project gears up for its operational launch, it promises to not only supply clean energy but also inspire future initiatives within the GCC region and beyond.
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