DEWA advances the UAE’s commitment to integrating environmental and developmental sustainability

On the occasion of National Environment Day, observed annually on 4 February, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) highlighted the UAE’s rich heritage of environmental stewardship, rooted in long-standing values that promote sustainability and the conservation of nature, and reflected in the nation’s commitment to biodiversity protection, responsible resource use and environmentally conscious development.

Building on this heritage, DEWA showcased its ongoing efforts to integrate environmental sustainability with economic and social development through a wide range of projects that accelerate the energy transition, advance green mobility, support digital transformation and strengthen climate resilience.

“We draw inspiration from the future-focused approach established by the Late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and from the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. By strengthening the link between environmental and developmental sustainability, and in line with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, we remain committed to positioning Dubai as a global model of sustainable, inclusive growth,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

DEWA has launched a wide range of globally leading projects, initiatives and programmes that support the transition to a green economy and advance the net-zero agenda, including the following:

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is the world’s largest single-site solar park based on the independent power producer model. Its current production capacity stands at 3,860 megawatts (MW) and is set to exceed 8,000MW by 2030, compared to 5,000MW in the original plan. Clean energy currently accounts for around 21.5% of DEWA’s total installed capacity, with the solar park expected to reduce 8.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually by 2030, up from the initial target of 6.5 million tonnes. Beyond electricity generation, the solar park serves as the foundation of Dubai’s growing green digital economy by providing reliable clean energy to key digital infrastructure, including the world’s largest solar-powered green data centre operated by Data Hub Integrated Solutions (MORO Hub), a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of DEWA.

Green Hydrogen project

DEWA’s Green Hydrogen project is the first project of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa to produce hydrogen using solar energy. The Green Hydrogen project has produced around 100 tonnes of green hydrogen since it was launched, most of it was used to generate more than 1.15 gigawatt hours of green energy through a hydrogen gas motor with a capacity of approximately 300 kilowatts, reducing about 515 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, over 11 tonnes were shipped to ENOC’s Service Station of the Future at Expo City Dubai to fuel hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Hydroelectric power plant in Hatta

The hydroelectric power station in Hatta is the first of its kind in the GCC region, with a production capacity of 250MW, a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours and a lifespan of up to 80 years. The project supports Dubai’s energy resilience by providing grid-scale storage and flexible generation that complements growing renewable capacity.

Smart grid

DEWA’s smart grid forms the backbone of digital transformation in the electricity and water sectors, enabling more efficient and reliable operations. Comprising more than 2.2 million smart meters that support real-time consumption monitoring and analysis, it offers advanced features, including automated decision-making and interoperability across electricity and water networks.

Al Shera’a building

Al Shera’a, DEWA’s new headquarters, is set to be the world’s tallest, largest and smartest net-positive energy government building. Designed to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum certification and the WELL Building Standard silver certification, the building will leverage advanced technologies including the Internet of Things, Big Data analytics and AI, alongside modern renewable energy solutions that ensure outstanding efficiency. DEWA currently has 10 green buildings with an LEED rating.

EV Green Charger initiative

DEWA provides more than 1,860 public electric vehicles (EV) charging points across Dubai, including charging points deployed in collaboration with government and private sector partners. The initiative supports the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030 and the National Air Quality Agenda 2031, in addition to promoting efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the transport sector.

Digital transformation

DEWA’s efforts to eliminate bureaucracy and accelerate digital transformation, alongside the adoption of the 360 Services Policy, have simplified customer journeys and service delivery. Service automation has reached 100% while self-services that do not require physical presence are now at 100% and the digital adoption of DEWA’s services at 99.5%. Additionally, DEWA has completed the digital integration of more than 100 projects with 65 government and private organisations. All DEWA services are available 24/7 through its website and smart app.

Nature-based solutions

DEWA adopts nature-based solutions to enhance environmental sustainability, build climate resilience and help mitigate the impact of climate change. Moreover, DEWA supports urban farming through the green roof of DEWA’s Sustainable Building in Al Quoz, which is suitable for urban agriculture. DEWA also supports the sustainability of mangrove forests by planting thousands of mangrove trees at the Jebel Ali Marine Sanctuary while removing waste – mostly plastic – and clearing tonnes of algae and seaweed from the reserve’s beach areas.

Community engagement

DEWA has launched several initiatives and programmes across its digital platforms to encourage community members to adopt a sustainable lifestyle and promote positive behaviours that save the environment and contribute to building a better future for generations to come. These include the Smart Living initiative, which enables customers to monitor their water and electricity consumption digitally and proactively without the need to contact DEWA.