Plans to invest as much as $23.4bn into the energy and water sector over the next five years have been announced by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The authority says the investment aligns with its goals to develop world-class infrastructure in Dubai and notes it is supported by assets worth over $49.5bn.
According to a statement from DEWA, the authority has 43 multi-stage flash (MSF) water desalination units with a total production capacity of 445m imperial gallons per day (MIGD) at the D, E, G, K, L, and M-Stations. It also has a sea water reverse osmosis (SWRO) plant with a production capacity of 25 MIGD. DEWA’s total production capacity of desalinated water is 470 MIGD.
Commenting on the SWRO projects, DEWA noted that it aims to boost its production capacity to 305 MIGD by 2030, reaching 41% instead of its current share of 5%. Desalinated water production capacity will reach 750 MIGD in 2030. SWRO desalination units require less energy than MSF, DEWA added.
The organisation said that the Jebel Ali K-Station uses this technology, and said it has a production capacity of 40 MIGD and is scheduled for operation in the first quarter. The project is being developed at a cost of $244m.
The water desalination units are located at the Jebel Ali Power Plant and Desalination Complex, which is one of the main pillars that provides Dubai with reliable, efficient, and high-quality electricity and water services, DEWA explained.