Dubai is investing a sum of AED40 billion ($10.9 billion) in electricity and water projects in the next five years to cope with surging demand.
Its utility provider Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) said the planned capital expenditure will also include expanding renewable and energy projects.
“DEWA will continue to invest and enhance renewables’ generation capacity, through informed plans based on the latest tools for future foresight, in order to meet the increasing demand for electricity and water,” its chief Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said.
He said around AED16 billion in the package will be used to boost electricity and water transmission and distribution networks, while AED16 million will go to finishing renewable projects in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and the Hassyan Power Complex.
Around AED3 billion is allocated to DEWA-owned air-conditioning provider Empower to expand its district cooling capacity and network as demand for it grows.
“We provide our services in accordance with the highest levels of quality, availability, reliability and efficiency and will keep pace with the rapid growth of Dubai across all areas. Our plans will consolidate Dubai’s position as an advanced model that provides a favourable and supportive environment for investments,” Al Tayer said.
The Dubai utility provider earlier said energy demand in the UAE emirate was up six percent on the back of recovering economic activity.
Energy demand in Dubai reached 23.096 gigawatt hours in the first half of 2022, according to DEWA, which has a current capacity of 14,117 megawatts of electricity and 490 million imperial gallons per day of desalinated water.
The planned investment comes as Dubai continues to attract foreign investors and talent to the country, consequentially raising demand for power and water services.
By 2040, DEWA expects to serve up to 7.8 million people in Dubai – up from 4.7 million as of 2022.
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