Trial Operations Commence at Hatta Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant
In an important development for Dubai’s energy landscape, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), announced the commencement of trial operations and the export of electricity from the Hatta pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant to the city of Dubai. This significant milestone was disclosed during Al Tayer’s recent site visit aimed at assessing the project’s progress in its final stages.
Impressively, the plant’s operational tests have yielded more than 17,921 megawatt-hours (MWh) of generated energy in the past few months, establishing a strong indicator of its performance capabilities. With a production capacity set at 250 megawatts (MW) and a remarkable storage capability of 1,500 megawatt-hours, this facility is projected to operate effectively for up to 80 years. Currently, Hatta experiences a peak electricity demand of approximately 39 MW, with the excess energy produced designated for export to Dubai, thereby further bolstering Dubai’s energy portfolio.
Accompanying Al Tayer during his inspection were Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation (Power & Water) at DEWA, Khalifa Al Bedwawi, the Project Manager, alongside other key project team members. Their collaborative efforts have contributed significantly to achieving this landmark in renewable energy.
Al Tayer emphasized that this initiative aligns with the forward-thinking vision set forth by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It embodies the principles of sustainable and comprehensive development advocated for the Emirate, as outlined in the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. This strategic framework aims to ensure that by 2050, 100% of Dubai’s total energy production capacity comes from clean energy sources, contributing to the overarching objective of the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.
During the site visit, Al Tayer examined several pivotal components of the project, including the power generation station, which is constructed approximately 60 meters underground. He was briefed on the operation of the facility’s two principal water valves, each weighing about 110 tonnes, showcasing the engineering sophistication embedded in the design. Furthermore, Al Tayer inspected the command and control center of the station, observing an operational test of water pumping and electricity generation processes firsthand.
A noteworthy element of the project is the upper dam, an impressive structure built by DEWA as part of the overall initiative, covering a substantial water surface area of 210,000 square meters. This dam features two robust compressed concrete walls; the main wall stands 72 meters high and stretches 225 meters in length, while a secondary side wall rises to 37 meters. Collectively, the upper dam is designed to hold approximately 5.3 million cubic meters (or 1,166 million gallons) of water, providing a significant reservoir for energy generation.
The hydroelectric power station in Hatta represents a strategic investment of approximately AED 1.42 billion (around USD 385 million) and signifies DEWA’s commitment to diversifying energy production through the integration of renewable and clean technologies. This comprehensive strategy encompasses various innovations, including solar photovoltaic systems, concentrated solar power, and advanced energy storage solutions utilizing batteries.
The operational design of the Hatta facility facilitates electricity generation by harnessing water stored in the Hatta Dam and the upper dam, achieving a remarkable turnaround efficiency of 78.9%. The plant operates by converting the potential energy of the stored water into kinetic energy as it flows through a 1.2-kilometer subterranean tunnel. This kinetic energy is subsequently utilized to rotate turbines, transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy that can be fed into DEWA’s grid within a rapid timeframe of 90 seconds to meet surging demand.
An additional aspect of the project includes the innovative approach of utilizing clean energy generated at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to pump water back to the upper dam, effectively converting electrical energy into kinetic energy and enhancing the overall sustainability of Dubai’s energy framework.
The commencement of the Hatta pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant serves as a crucial step forward in Dubai’s quest for sustainability and energy independence, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation and resilience within its energy sector.
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