Hatta Hydroelectric Plant Begins Trial Operation to Dubai

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), announced the start of trial operations at the Hatta pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant. The electricity produced during these trials is now being exported to Dubai, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s efforts to expand clean and renewable energy sources. This announcement came during Al Tayer’s visit to the Hatta project to review the final stages of work and observe the operational testing of the plant.

According to DEWA, the amount of energy generated during the past period of operational testing exceeded 17,921 megawatt-hours (MWh). Once fully operational, the plant will have a production capacity of 250 megawatts (MW), a storage capacity of 1,500 MWh, and is designed to operate for up to 80 years. The peak electricity demand in Hatta is around 39 MW, meaning that the excess energy produced by the plant will be exported to meet Dubai’s electricity needs.

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Senior Officials Inspect the Hatta Power Plant

During the visit, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer was accompanied by several senior DEWA officials, including Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation (Power & Water), Khalifa Al Bedwawi, the Project Manager, and other members of the project team.

Al Tayer emphasized that the Hatta project aligns with the vision and directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The project is part of Dubai’s efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development and supports both the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. These strategies aim to generate 100% of Dubai’s energy from clean and renewable sources by 2050.

Exploring the Plant’s Unique Features

During his inspection, Al Tayer toured the power generation station, which was constructed 60 metres underground to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact. He was briefed on the operation of the station’s two main water valves, each weighing approximately 110 tonnes, and observed the command and control center overseeing the plant's operations.

The visit also included the upper dam, which was built as part of the Hatta hydroelectric project. The dam has a total water surface area of 210,000 square metres, and its design consists of two compressed concrete walls. The main wall stands at 72 metres high and 225 metres long, while the side wall is 37 metres high. The upper dam has a storage capacity of about 5.3 million cubic metres of water, equivalent to 1,166 million gallons.

DEWA’s Investment and Renewable Energy Strategy

Al Tayer highlighted that the Hatta hydroelectric power plant, which cost approximately AED 1.42 billion, is part of DEWA’s larger plan to diversify energy production. Dubai is investing heavily in renewable energy technologies such as solar photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power, battery energy storage, and now pumped-storage hydroelectricity.

The plant is designed to generate electricity by using water stored in the Hatta Dam and the upper dam. It operates with a turnaround efficiency of 78.9%, meaning a significant portion of the energy used to pump water to the upper dam can be recovered when generating electricity.

How the Plant Works

The Hatta hydroelectric power plant uses the potential energy of water stored in the upper dam. When electricity is needed, water flows through a 1.2-kilometre underground tunnel, turning it into kinetic energy. This flowing water rotates the turbines, which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Impressively, the electricity generated can be supplied to DEWA’s grid in just 90 seconds, quickly meeting any surge in demand.

To store energy, clean electricity produced at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is used to pump water back to the upper dam. This process converts electrical power into kinetic energy, which can later be reused to produce electricity during peak demand periods. This cycle ensures efficient storage and generation of electricity, making it a reliable and sustainable energy source.

Environmental and Strategic Benefits

The Hatta pumped-storage hydroelectric plant is not just an engineering achievement; it also plays a key role in Dubai’s environmental strategy. By relying on renewable energy sources and water-based energy storage, the plant helps reduce carbon emissions and supports the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Moreover, the plant adds flexibility to Dubai’s electricity grid. During periods of low demand, excess electricity from solar power can be stored in the upper dam. When demand is high, the stored water can generate electricity almost instantly. This system reduces reliance on fossil fuels and ensures continuous power supply to meet Dubai’s growing energy needs.

Looking Ahead

The Hatta hydroelectric project represents a significant step in DEWA’s long-term vision for clean energy. With a lifespan of up to 80 years, the plant will continue to serve as a sustainable energy source for decades. Its construction and operation also demonstrate Dubai’s commitment to innovative and environmentally friendly infrastructure projects.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer reaffirmed that the project is part of DEWA’s broader mission to diversify energy sources and enhance the reliability of electricity supply while minimizing environmental impact. The Hatta plant complements other renewable energy initiatives across Dubai, including solar parks, battery storage facilities, and energy-efficient projects, creating a comprehensive and integrated approach to clean energy.

The Hatta pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant marks a historic achievement for Dubai and the UAE’s renewable energy sector. With its advanced technology, high efficiency, and strategic design, the plant is set to play a vital role in meeting Dubai’s energy demand, promoting sustainability, and reducing carbon emissions.

As the trial operations continue and electricity is exported to Dubai, this project stands as a symbol of Dubai’s leadership in clean energy, demonstrating how innovation, technology, and vision can work together to build a greener and more sustainable future.

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