Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) has unveiled a budget of Dh26.417 billion ($7.19 billion) for 2018, compared to Dh24.358 billion in 2017, incorporating investments in conventional and non-conventional energy sources, advanced technologies and innovative projects.

Dewa recognises the vital role of renewable and clean energy sources in realising the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75 per cent of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy by 2050, a company statement said.

Accordingly, Dewa last year announced the preferred bidder for its 700 MW concentrated solar power Independent Power Producer (IPP) model project costing Dh14.2 billion.

Dewa’s vision is aligned with strategies at both federal and local levels as stipulated in UAE Vision 2021, National Agenda, UAE Centennial 2071, Dubai Plan 2021, and Smart Dubai goals. Accordingly, budget allocations have been made in 2018 for investments in strategic innovation, research and development (R&D), renewable energy, green technology, smart grid, energy efficiency, demand-side management and other projects.

“We have a holistic approach for the energy sector and we translated that into workable strategies. The budget supports the vision of our leadership to provide citizens and residents with excellent services in a smart and well-connected city, which is recognised as a global model for developing clean energy, inspiring innovation and creativity and promoting sustainability,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dewa.

“Dh10.076 billion of the 2018 budget is allocated to capital projects and capital purchases, compared to Dh8.692 billion in 2017. The 2018 budget includes Dh2.684 billion for electricity and water generation, Dh5.013 billion for power transmission, Dh1.745 billion for power distribution and Dh0.519 billion for water transmission and distribution projects,” explained Al Tayer.

“Transmission projects include building three new 400-kV substations at a cost of Dh1,080 million, 116 km of 400-kV overhead lines at Dh812 million, and 10 new 132-kV substations at a cost of Dh855 million. Dh1.294 billion has been allocated for laying 235 km of 132-kV cables and for installing substation control systems.

To increase Dewa’s water storage capacity, Dh165 million has been allocated for constructing a 30-million-gallon reservoir in Hatta and upgrading pumping stations at Jebel Ali – Habab and Khawaneej.  Dewa’s 2018 operating budget is Dh15.420 billion compared to Dh14.869 billion in 2017. The administration capital budget is Dh921 million,” added Al Tayer.

“Dewa’s 2018 budget combines ambitious initiatives and innovative projects that expand capacity in generation and transmission, strengthen the reliability and security of the network and contribute to making Dubai the smartest city in the world that is committed to energy efficiency and green growth and is a model of for resource sustainability,” concluded Al Tayer. – TradeArabia News Service