Hatta Hydroelectric Plant Starts Supplying Power to Dubai
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has officially started trial operations at the Hatta pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant, marking a milestone in the UAE’s clean energy drive. The project has already generated over 17,921 megawatt-hours (MWh) during operational testing.
The hydroelectric station, built at an investment of AED 1.42 billion, features:
| Key Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Production Capacity | 250 MW |
| Storage Capacity | 1,500 MWh |
| Expected Lifespan | Up to 80 years |
| Peak Demand in Hatta | ~39 MW |
| Surplus Energy | Exported to Dubai |
Supporting Dubai’s 2050 Clean Energy Goals
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, highlighted that the project aligns with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to ensure sustainable growth across the emirate. It directly supports:
Both strategies aim for 100% clean energy generation by 2050.
How the Plant Works
- Water is stored in the upper dam (capacity: 5.3 million cubic metres).
- When electricity demand rises, water flows through a 1.2 km underground tunnel, spinning turbines to generate power.
- The plant achieves a turnaround efficiency of 78.9%, supplying power to DEWA’s grid in less than 90 seconds.
- Clean energy from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is used to pump water back to the upper reservoir for storage.
Key Infrastructure Features
- Upper dam: surface area of 210,000 m², two compressed concrete walls (main wall 72m high, side wall 37m high).
- Power station: built 60m underground, with two main valves weighing 110 tonnes each.
- Control center: advanced monitoring system for water pumping and generation.
Significance of the Project
This is the first hydroelectric power plant in the Gulf region. By exporting surplus energy from Hatta to Dubai, the project strengthens energy security, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and accelerates the shift to renewable power.
