Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has commissioned three new substations with a conversion capacity of 450 megavolt-amperes (MVA) in addition to 132 kV ground cables that extend on 35 kilometres and are connected to the main transmission network. This is part of DEWA’s efforts to provide electricity and water services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, and efficiency.

The total cost of the projects that were commissioned in May and June was over Dhs430 million. The new substations supply Al Barsha 1, Mirdif, and Wadi Al Safa 2. Completing these stations required 4 million safe working hours using world-class technologies to ensure the highest levels of safety and security.

“We work in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide a state-of-the-art integrated infrastructure for electricity and water to meet growing demand and keep pace with Dubai’s sustainable development needs. Inaugurating the new substations is part of Dewa’s efforts to increase the capacity, efficiency, and readiness of the electricity transmission network in Dubai to meet the future needs of customers, developers, and the business sector, while providing a convenient margin using the latest smart technologies. This supports DEWA’s efforts to digitally transform all its operations and services. The total value of DEWA’s investments in electricity transmission is Dhs 8.8 billion, including Dhs2 billion for key 400 kV transmission projects and Dhs6.8 billion for 132 kV projects,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

Hussain Lootah, Executive Vice President of Transmission Power, said that the substations were implemented as planned despite the obstacles of the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained that there are now 314 132kV substations in addition to 37 substations under construction.

The UAE, represented by DEWA, maintained its first global ranking for the third consecutive year in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report. The report measures the ease of doing business in 190 economies around the world. DEWA achieved 100 per cent in all Getting Electricity indicators including the procedures; time, cost, reliability, and transparency of tariffs. Commercial and industrial customers can now get electricity connection up to 150kW within 5 days and in 1 step through Al Namoos, with security deposits and new connection charges waived. The UAE, represented by DEWA, has the shortest time in the world for getting electricity according to the World Bank’s report.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has recently completed 81.22% of the Nakhali water reservoir, which has a storage capacity of 120 million imperial gallons (MIG). With investments totalling Dhs287.8 million, the project is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2021.

The construction of the 120 MIG reservoir in Al Nakhali and another 60 MIG reservoir in Al Lusaily supports DEWA’s strategy to increase the efficiency and reliability of water networks, raise water flow and volume of water reserves to meet the growing demand and sustainable development in Dubai. We aim to increase the storage capacity of Dubai to 1002 MIG compared to the current capacity of 815 MIG,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer.

 Tayer said that DEWA adopts the latest global technologies in the water sector, noting that losses in DEWA’s water transmission and distribution networks decreased from 42% in 1988 to 5.1%. This is one of the lowest worldwide.

Abdullah Obaidullah, Executive Vice President of Water and Civil at DEWA, said that the Nakhali reservoir, which started in October 2018, follows the highest international standards. Robots will be used for cleaning without human intervention to maintain the highest standards of health and safety. Solar photovoltaic panels will be installed on the reservoir’s rooftop to generate clean energy.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer recently received Jorge Daccarett, Chilean Ambassador to the UAE. This is one of a series of visits by diplomatic and consular officials to Dewa to explore relations, exchange expertise, and promote mutual cooperation. Al Tayer highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between Dewa and Chilean energy organisations from the public and private sectors, by exchanging best global practices, experiences, and benchmarking. Al Tayer welcomed the Ambassador and presented Dewa’s innovative and pioneering initiatives and projects to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Al Tayer reviewed Dewa’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai as the Official Sustainable Energy Partner, and highlighted Dewa’s efforts to achieve the vision of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid to host the best edition of Expo 2020 Dubai. Dewa’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai provides a unique experience for visitors as it highlights Dewa’s key projects and initiatives in renewable, clean energy, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution applications. Al Tayer explained that Dewa has a clear vision to achieve the objectives of Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75 per cent of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.

WAM