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Dubai and ACWA Power Sign 30-Year Agreement for Large-Scale Water Desalination Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has signed a landmark 30-year agreement with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power for the Hassyan Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination project. The project, which will utilize solar power based on the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model, is expected to increase Dubai's water desalination capacity from 490 MIGD to 730 MIGD by 2030. The agreement is part of DEWA's efforts to meet the growing demand for water in the emirate, driven by Dubai's rapid economic growth and population expansion.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Hassyan SWRO project is the largest of its kind in the world, with a capacity of 180 MIGD, and is expected to meet 25% of Dubai's water demand.
  • The project, which will be built on a 252,300 square meter land area, has an investment of AED 3.357 billion (USD 914 million) and is expected to be completed by 2027.
  • DEWA has achieved a world record by receiving the lowest bid of 0.36536 USD/m for desalinated water, setting a new benchmark for water production in the industry.
  • The project is part of DEWA's efforts to increase its water desalination capacity from 490 MIGD to 730 MIGD by 2030, and will contribute to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050.
  • The agreement is a milestone in the collaboration between DEWA and ACWA Power, which has set a new record for the lowest levelised water tariff.
  • The project will be powered by solar energy, making it a more sustainable choice for water desalination compared to traditional Multi-Stage Flash distillation (MSF) plants.
  • By 2030, DEWA aims to produce 100% of desalinated water by a mix of clean energy and waste heat.

Statistics:

  • 490 MIGD: current water desalination capacity in Dubai
  • 730 MIGD: target water desalination capacity by 2030
  • AED 3.357 billion (USD 914 million): investment for the Hassyan SWRO project
  • 252,300 square meters: allocated land area for the project
  • 0.36536 USD/m: lowest bid price for desalinated water received by DEWA
  • 180 MIGD: capacity of the Hassyan SWRO project
  • 25%: share of Dubai's water demand that the project is expected to meet
  • 2027: expected completion date for the project
  • 2030: target year for increasing water desalination capacity to 730 MIGD

Sources:

  • Al Bawaba (Albawaba.com)
  • SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info)

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