Dubai is set to begin receiving clean energy generated by a hydroelectric plant in Hatta next month, in the first development of its kind in the region.
The project, which is 96 per cent complete, is designed to generate electricity using water stored in the Hatta Dam and a newly constructed upper dam higher in the mountains.
The plant will have a production capacity of 250 megawatts (MW), a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours and a lifespan of up to 80 years with an investment of AED 1.421bn.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), said the operational tests of the clean energy power plant began in January 2025 ready for operation in April.
He added that the project supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to provide 100 per cent of the emirate’s total power production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.
The hydroelectric plant is designed as an energy storage facility which uses the potential energy of water stored in the upper dam, converting it into kinetic energy as it flows through a 1.2-kilometre subterranean tunnel.
This generated power rotates the turbines, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, which can be delivered to DEWA’s grid within 90 seconds to meet demand.
To store energy during off-peak hours clean power generated at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will be used to pump water back to the 72 metre tall upper dam, converting electrical power back into kinetic energy during the process.
Al Tayer highlighted that the hydroelectric plant in Hatta is part of DEWA’s efforts to diversify energy production into renewable and clean sources. These include technologies such as solar photovoltaic panels, concentrated solar power and the use of renewable energy to produce green hydrogen.
Hydroelectric plant meets tourism
DEWA is also launching two tourist-related projects in Hatta, the Dubai Mountain Peak and the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls.
The mountain programme includes the construction of a 5.4-kilometre cable car to transport tourists to the summit of Um Al-Nesoor, passing over the dam. At 1,300 metres above sea level, it is the highest natural summit in Dubai.
The second project will use the slope of the upper dam to create a natural waterfall. Water will be collected at the end of a stream, recycled, and pumped back to the top of the dam.
Inspired by Hatta’s honey production, the design will feature hexagonal elements, mimicking a beehive. Visitors can also expect hexagonal seating areas and structures.
The attraction will feature a canal at the waterfall’s base, complete with bridges for visitors to explore. A plunge pool will create a picturesque setting perfect for family photos and strolls.
