Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) said it has started work on a project to supply, lay and commission new 132 kV ground cables at an investment of Dh152 million ($41.3 million).

The project, which will see the laying of 202-km-long cables, is aimed at providing the much-needed infrastructure in the lead-up to Expo 2020 as well as electricity for various real estate projects.

The move is in line with Dewa's vision to contribute effectively to social, economic and environmental development march in the UAE emirate by providing uninterrupted utility supplies, said a statement from the Dubai utility.

"Dewa is making enormous strides in carrying out its vital projects, especially the 132 kV power transmission grid, which is the backbone of Dubai's electricity," remarked Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the managing director and chief executive of Dewa.

"This move aims to boost the efficiency of the grids to meet the increasing demand for Dewa's services and go on with performing its vital projects, especially in the field of infrastructure to deliver services at the highest levels of reliability and efficiency," he added.

The scope of work includes laying works of 132 kV cables for five new under-construction substations, two of which are designated to provide Expo 2020 with electricity requirements, while the other three substations are designated for various development projects.-TradeArabia News Service