A $391mn contract has been awarded to a consortium comprising Strabag Dubai, Strabag AG, Andritz Hydro and Ozkar by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).
The contract outlines the construction of a pumped-storage hydroelectric power station in Hatta.
The 250MW project is expected to operate for up to 80 years and is to be commissioned by February 2024. EDF has been appointed as the consultant for the project, which is billed as a first for the region.
When operations begin, the project will diversify the energy mix and support the economic, social and environmental development of Hatta, a statement from DEWA said.
“We are committed to supporting sustainable development, conserving natural resources and achieving economic, social and environmental development, in line with the aspirations of good leadership,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
DEWA notes that it 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. The statement notes that this project supports the sustainable development of Hatta to make it one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the emirate.
“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% by 2050. Hydroelectricity is the generation of power by harnessing energy from moving water, which is one of the main sources of renewable clean energy in the world,” added Al Tayer.