Work is moving at a steady pace on the Hatta hydroelectric power plant according to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The utility company said 35% of construction work is already complete and noted that the plant’s production capacity is 250MW, with a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours and a lifespan of up to 80 years.

DEWA notes that the project is the first of its kind in the Gulf region, with investments of around $386m.

The statement from DEWA noted that turbines operated by the speed of the waterfall from an upper reservoir through a 1,200m water tunnel will be used to generate electricity, with high efficiency in power generation and storage of up to 78.9% and with a 90-second response demand for electricity.

Commenting on the project, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO said DEWA had completed the 1,200m high-pressure water tunnel. The first 37m-high Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) wall is also complete at the project’s upper dam.

Al Tayer said the pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant is part of DEWA’s efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development in Dubai, and increase the share of clean and renewable energy in Dubai’s energy mix.

The project contributes towards the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai Net Zero Emissions Strategy 2050. It is also part of DEWA’s initiative to develop the area to meet its social, economic, and environmental needs, as well as provide innovative job opportunities for the people of Hatta. In addition to this, DEWA is also implementing two other projects in Hatta – The Dubai Mountain Peak and Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls, the statement concluded.