DUBAI: The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has reported a major leap in energy efficiency, reducing 104 million tonnes of CO2 emissions between 2006 and 2024—comparable to planting 527 million trees.
This 43.61% improvement in electricity and water production efficiency reflects DEWA’s long-term commitment to sustainability and climate action. According to HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, these efforts align with the UAE’s net zero by 2050 target and Dubai’s plan to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030.
DEWA’s upgrades go beyond just efficiency—they’ve also resulted in significant financial savings. From deploying hybrid desalination systems to upgrading gas turbines with the help of original equipment manufacturers, DEWA has embraced innovation to cut emissions and reduce costs.
The utility uses co-generation technology, where heat from gas turbines is reused to power steam generators and assist with the water desalination process. Its modern desalination plants combine multiple techniques, including seawater reverse osmosis and multi-stage flashing, to maximise output while minimising environmental impact.
“By boosting production efficiency, we are transforming environmental challenges into growth opportunities,” said Al Tayer. “This brings us closer to our goal of generating 100% of Dubai’s energy from clean sources by 2050.”
The move also supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy. Together, these initiatives aim to position the emirate as a global leader in climate action while keeping global warming below 1.5°C.
