Dubai Electricity and 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, the company 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.

“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 Dh519 million for water transmission and distribution projects,” explained Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dewa.

“Transmission projects include building three new 400-kV substations at a cost of Dh1.08 billion, 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 water storage capacity, Dh165 million has been allocated for building a 30-million-gallon reservoir in Hatta and upgrading pumping stations at Jebel Ali – Habab and Khawaneej.