Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has said that it will be awarding contracts worth $3.1 billion for the construction of 85 new 132/11kV substations and six 400/132kV substations over the course of the next three years.

In a statement released by the utilities provider, it said that these new contracts are part of DEWA’s efforts to support and upgrade the capacity and efficiency of electricity transmission networks. It has already awarded the contract for the construction of electricity transmission projects, worth $285 million, including a 400/132kV substation, two 132/11kV substations, and 75km of 132kV ground cables.

We work to achieve the vision of our wise leadership and to implement the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in line with Dewa’s vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of DEWA.

He added that DEWA is in need of investments worth $22 billion over the next five years as it looks to meet the growing demand for energy, and all the needs of sustainable development in Dubai.

“In 2017, 21 400kV substations were completed, with 1,150km of ground cables. We aim to support and upgrade the capacity and efficiency of the transmission networks by providing a distinctive infrastructure and service facilities, to meet the sustainable development needs of Dubai, and provide electricity and water services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability and efficiency,” Al Tayer said, adding that there are currently 252 132/11kV substations operational, with 16 inaugurated this year.

“We consider the highest standards in quality and safety when building substations and we adopt the latest technologies, to serve Dubai’s ambitious urban and economic plans.”