The seawater reverse osmosis (RO) desalination project in Hassyan, a key component of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) strategy to enhance the city’s water desalination capacity, has achieved financial closing.
The Hassyan project, being built by DEWA and Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power, will produce 180 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) when completed. It will increase Dubai’s installed water desalination capacity to 670MIGD upon its completion in February 2027.
The world’s largest project of its kind using RO technology under the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model, is being built at an investment of AED3.377 billion ($920 million).
Part of DEWA’s commitment to enhancing water security in Dubai through sustainable means
Water security is a national priority as outlined in the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, which aims to ensure sustainable and continuous access to water during natural and emergency conditions.
The seawater reverse osmosis technology adopted by DEWA requires less energy than multi-stage distillation plants, making it a more sustainable option.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said: “DEWA is committed to developing an advanced and integrated energy and water infrastructure that aligns with Dubai’s progressive development and caters to the increasing demand for electricity and water services as per the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.
“As part of our commitment to enhancing water security in Dubai through sustainable means, we have successfully reached the financial close for the Hassyan Complex project. This initiative supports Dubai’s Integrated Water Resources Management Strategy 2030, which emphasises resource optimisation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.”
Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACWA Power, added: “We are proud to join forces with our partners in the United Arab Emirates to finalise the financing of this ambitious project, which will play a crucial role in Dubai’s plan to produce 100 per cent of its desalinated water by 2030 from a clean energy and waste heat mix.
“This partnership serves as a model for projects that we operate and manage in cooperation with DEWA. We have set a world record for the lowest tariff for desalinated water as well as the most energy-efficient reverse osmosis technology for the first plant in the world that is fully powered by renewable energy at the Hassyan Power and Water Complex in Dubai.”
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