The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has recently entered into a significant 30-year water purchase agreement with ACWA Power, a prominent company from Saudi Arabia, for the inaugural phase of the Hassyan seawater desalination project, utilizing solar energy. This crucial step forms part of DEWA’s ambitious plan to augment its water desalination capacity from the existing 490 MIGD to 730 MIGD by 2030. The project is strategically aligned with Dubai’s unprecedented economic expansion and the thriving construction sector, seamlessly integrating with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. This initiative not only caters to the surging population growth but also fulfills the escalating demand for water across domestic, commercial, and various consumer sectors.
The pivotal agreement was formally signed by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the Managing Director, and CEO of DEWA, alongside Mr. Mohammad Abunayyan, the Chairman, and Founder of ACWA Power. This momentous occasion was graced by the presence of officials from both organizations, marking a significant milestone in Dubai’s journey toward sustainable water solutions.
In August, DEWA announced ACWA Power as the ‘Preferred Bidder’ for the Hassyan Phase 1 Independent Water Producer (IWP) project, a groundbreaking initiative to construct and operate the world’s largest Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) plant, producing 180 Million Imperial Gallons per Day (MIGD) of desalinated water. This monumental project, with an investment totaling AED 3.357 billion (USD 914 million), is set to revolutionize Dubai’s water supply. Spanning an area of 252,300 square meters, the project marks DEWA’s pioneering foray into the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model.
Notably, DEWA achieved a remarkable feat by securing a record-low bid of 0.36536 USD/m³ for desalinated water. This accomplishment underscores Dubai’s commitment to sustainable water solutions. Importantly, the project leverages cutting-edge Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) technology powered by solar energy, aligning perfectly with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed’s vision emphasizes enhancing water supplies in Dubai from sustainable sources and achieving ambitious goals, such as the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership with ACWA Power, highlighting the pivotal role this project plays in Dubai’s future. He emphasized DEWA’s dedication to adopting SWRO technology, which requires less energy compared to Multi-Stage Flash distillation (MSF) plants, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for water desalination. Looking ahead, DEWA aims to produce 100% of desalinated water by 2030 through a mix of clean energy and waste heat, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the realm of water production.
He added,“We ensure the continuation of the 100% availability of DEWA’s services according to the world’s highest levels of availability, reliability, and efficiency thanks to our state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced technologies. This is based on innovation and sound scientific planning so that we contribute to making the UAE the world’s leading nation by its centennial in 2071”
“This agreement between ACWA Power and DEWA is another example of the strong collaboration between ourselves and our valued partners in the United Arab Emirates. The Hassyan IWP will be the largest plant of its kind in the world, and we have set a new record for the lowest levelised water tariff. The plant will be highly efficient, desalinating water through reverse osmosis powered by solar energy. With our years of experience in the industry, ACWA Power has ambitious aims and we are proud of continually breaking records through innovation and using new technologies to enhance water security. With this project, we are reaffirming our commitment with our partners towards achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050” stated by Mohammad A. Abunayyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors, ACWA Power
