DEWA and ACWA power ink deal for the World’s Biggest Solar-powered desalination facility in UAE

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has signed a 30-year Water Purchase Agreement and a partnership with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power for the inaugural phase of the solar-driven Hassyan Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination initiative under the Independent Water Producer (IWP) framework.

This venture emphasizes DEWA's goal to boost its desalination output to 730 million imperial gallons daily by 2030, a marked rise from the existing 490 MIGD.

This initiative resonates with Dubai's dynamic economic progression, booming construction industry, and the Dubai 2040 Urban Blueprint.

It seeks to meet the needs arising from population growth and the increasing water requirements in various sectors, including residential and commercial.

The contract was formalized by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA's CEO, and Mohammad Abunayyan, ACWA Power's founder.

Previously, in August, DEWA designated ACWA Power as the chosen contractor for creating and managing the 180 MIGD Hassyan Phase 1 IWP project, involving an investment totaling AED 3.357 billion (around USD 914 million).

Globally, the initiative is recognized for obtaining the most competitive bid of 0.36536 USD/m³ for desalination.
Globally renowned, this is the grandest venture utilizing SWRO technology powered by solar energy, and it also stands as DEWA's premiere IWP scheme.

Dubai's desalination capability is at 490 MIGD, poised to reach 670 MIGD by 2027 upon the project's culmination.