Dubai: The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) is currently reviewing proposals from major consultants to later issue a project tender for the first hydroelectric power station in the GCC located in the mountains of Hatta.
The power station, announced in December 2016 as part of the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan, will be completed within five years.
Dewa issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) at the end of last year to appoint a consultant for the project, and received proposals from major consultants by mid-February.
The 250-megawatt pumped-storage hydroelectric power station will generate power by harnessing energy from moving water, hence making it one of the main sources of renewable and clean energy in the world.
Dh1.92 billion hydroelectric power station will make use of the existing water stored in the Hatta Dam, which can store up to 1,716 million gallons, and an upper reservoir that will be built in the mountain and can store up to 880 million gallons. The horizontal distance between the two reservoirs will be about 3km with 300 metres difference in height.
It will provide other services including irrigation, flood control, and fresh water storage.
“The hydroelectric power station will increase the share of clean-energy use, support the sustainable development of the region, and enhance the position of Hatta as one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the emirate. This supports the Dubai Plan 2021 to make Dubai the preferred place to live, work, and visit,” Al Tayer said.
“Dewa’s initiatives in the Hatta Development Plan involve the citizens of Hatta in our projects, and provide leading and innovative job opportunities. The projects will create 200 permanent jobs in the technical, administrative and operational areas. Another 300 jobs are expected to be created in the Visitor Centre, outdoor activities, and the tourist facilities associated with the project. Over 2,000 jobs will be required during the implementation phase,” Al Tayer added.
