DEWA Projects Enhance Energy and Water Efficiency Reduce Carbon Footprint

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has achieved a significant milestone in enhancing the efficiency of electricity and water production, marking a 41.73% improvement in 2023 compared to levels recorded in 2006. This achievement translates to a cumulative reduction of 92.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions between 2006 and 2023, equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of 484 million trees.

DEWA employs co-generation technology to produce electricity and water, utilizing Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG) to harness waste heat from gas turbines for additional electricity generation and thermal energy for water desalination. Innovative hybrid systems at water desalination plants integrate technologies like Multi-Stage Flashing (MSF) and Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO), ensuring optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness throughout their lifecycle.

In addition to enhancing efficiency in natural gas power plants, DEWA has made strides in solar energy, upgrading from early photovoltaic panels with 11% efficiency to advanced mono-bifacial panels exceeding 22% efficiency. The adoption of autonomous cleaning robots, solar tracking systems, and other advanced technologies further boosts energy generation efficiency.

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DEWA integrates smart tools and technologies across its operations, enhancing the capacity and efficiency of generation plants, transmission, distribution, and control networks for electricity and water. Innovation drives DEWA’s strategies and business plans, bolstering competitiveness and customer satisfaction.

The utility's efforts have yielded remarkable results in reducing losses from electricity transmission and distribution networks to 2.0%, far below the 6-7% averages in Europe and the USA. Water network losses stand at 4.6%, compared to about 15% in North America. DEWA has set a new global benchmark with just 1.06 Customer Minutes Lost (CML) per year, significantly outperforming leading utilities in the European Union.

To further reduce its carbon footprint, DEWA expands solar energy production, implements energy storage solutions, and explores carbon capture technologies in fossil fuel plants. The transport sector targets improved vehicle efficiency and adoption of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, while industry shifts towards electricity and green hydrogen.

DEWA's initiatives like Shams Dubai, which installs photovoltaic panels on building roofs, and the Dubai Demand Side Management Programme focus on energy efficiency through retrofitting buildings and enhancing cooling and lighting systems. A robust Smart Grid infrastructure enhances energy transmission efficiency, supports renewable energy integration, and optimizes electrical load management.

In water desalination, DEWA pioneers projects using solar energy, aligning with Dubai’s clean energy goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The utility also emphasizes efficient water management through initiatives like using Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) for landscaping and integrating photovoltaic solar panels across various facilities.

DEWA’s comprehensive approach to energy and water efficiency underscores its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, aiming to lead Dubai towards a greener and more sustainable future.