DEWA Enhances Dubai’s Power Grid With Major AED 1.36 Billion Transmission Upgrade

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has successfully commissioned eight new 132 kV transmission substations in the first half of 2024, representing a major investment of AED 1.36 billion. This expansion, which includes 89 kilometers of ground cable, aims to enhance the efficiency of the 132 kV transmission network and address the increasing electricity demand across Dubai.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, highlighted that these new substations are part of DEWA’s broader strategy to support Dubai’s rapid urban expansion and development. Some of the newly commissioned substations are designed to serve residential neighborhoods for Emirati citizens, aligning with the integrated housing plan initiated under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

“This initiative is a significant step towards achieving the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 and Dubai Social Agenda 33. Our goal is to provide exceptional living standards and residential services while maintaining the reliability and efficiency of Dubai’s energy network. The implementation of cutting-edge technologies ensures 100% reliability in our energy transmission system, a testament to DEWA’s global performance excellence,” stated Al Tayer.

The newly commissioned substations are located in Al Thanya 3, Al Barsha South 4, Wadi Al Shabak, Nadd Hessa, International City Phase 2, Wadi Al Safa 5, and Umm Suqeim 3. The completion of these projects involved over 8 million safe working hours and utilized the latest global digital technologies, reflecting DEWA’s commitment to digital transformation and innovation in its operations.

By the end of June 2024, the total number of transmission substations in Dubai has reached 382, comprising 27 400 kV substations and 355 132 kV substations. DEWA is actively expanding its network with 31 132 kV substations under construction and reviewing financial proposals for six additional substations. Over the next three years, DEWA plans to tender more than 50 new 132 kV substations and extend 350 kilometers of ground transmission cables.

In addition, DEWA has awarded contracts for ten new 132 kV substations across various areas of Dubai, including Al Aweer 1, Umm Nahad 4, and Al Quoz Industrial 3, with a combined value of AED 1 billion. These projects also include extending 132 kV ground cables to integrate the new substations into the main electricity transmission grid, at a cost of up to AED 176 million.

Hussain Lootah, Executive Vice President of Transmission Power at DEWA, emphasized the ongoing expansion efforts, stating, “Our continuous investment in transmission infrastructure underscores DEWA’s dedication to supporting Dubai’s growth and ensuring a robust, reliable energy network for the future.”