Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) awarded the Strabag Dubai, Strabag, Andritz Hydro and Ozkar consortium the construction contract for a Dh1.43 billion pumped-storage hydroelectric power station at Hatta, state news agency Wam reported.
The project, part of the Comprehensive Development Plan for Hatta, is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf and will generate 250 megawatts. It is expected to operate for up to 80 years and is scheduled to be commissioned by February 2024, according to Wam. French power group EDF has been appointed as the consultant.
The plant is designed to diversify the energy mix and support the economic, social and environmental development of Hatta. It will help to achieve the goals of the Dubai Clean Energy 2050 strategy to provide 75 per cent of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy by 2050, Wam reported.
"This Dh1.43bn pumped-storage hydroelectric power station project is part of our efforts, initiatives and plans to achieve the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, chief executive of Dewa.
The hydroelectric power station will use water from the Hatta Dam, to be stored in an upper reservoir that will be built near the site. Turbines will use power from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to pump water from the dam to the upper reservoir.
As that water flows from the upper reservoir it will generate electricity as required.