The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading utilities in renewable energy development by successfully turning ambitious sustainability goals into large-scale projects. Through its long-term planning and the “Dubai-It” approach, DEWA has consistently transformed clean energy strategies into practical solutions that support Dubai’s energy transition and sustainable development objectives.
One of DEWA’s biggest achievements is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park developed under the independent power producer (IPP) model. The project has reached an installed production capacity of 3,860 MW and continues to expand rapidly. DEWA now expects the solar park’s capacity to exceed 8,000 MW by 2030, significantly higher than its original target of 5,000 MW. This expansion reflects Dubai’s growing commitment to increasing renewable energy generation while meeting rising electricity demand through clean sources.
The solar park also demonstrates DEWA’s focus on adopting advanced technologies. Its fourth phase combines photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies, making it one of the world’s most innovative renewable energy projects. The seventh phase further strengthens the project by adding modern battery energy storage systems alongside new solar generation capacity. These developments improve grid stability and allow renewable electricity to be supplied more efficiently.
A key factor behind the project’s success has been DEWA’s use of the IPP model. By partnering with private investors and international developers, the utility has attracted significant foreign investment while creating strong competition among developers. This has helped reduce the cost of solar electricity and establish globally competitive tariffs, contributing to the wider adoption of renewable energy.
DEWA is also expanding its clean energy portfolio beyond solar power. The utility is developing the 250 MW Hatta Hydroelectric Power Plant, the first pumped-storage hydroelectric project in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The facility will provide 1,500 MWh of energy storage, supporting grid flexibility and improving renewable energy integration. Along with investments in battery storage and green hydrogen, these projects are helping build a diversified and resilient energy system.
Currently, clean energy contributes more than 21.5% of Dubai’s total energy mix. DEWA expects this share to increase to 36% by 2030 as additional renewable energy projects become operational. These efforts support Dubai’s long-term vision of achieving 100% clean energy production capacity by 2050, reinforcing the emirate’s leadership in global clean energy and sustainable infrastructure development.
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