DEWA Gets $12.9bn in Power, Water Project Investments Through Private Sector

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has attracted more than AED 47.4 billion in cumulative investments in power and water projects over the past 12 years through its Independent Power and Water Producer (IWPP) and Independent Power Producer (IPP) models, strengthening private-sector participation in the development of the emirate’s strategic energy and water infrastructure.

The investment model, developed and continuously enhanced by DEWA, has enabled the authority to deliver major power generation and water desalination projects in partnership with leading international developers, investors, and financial institutions. The model was awarded a seven-star rating at the International Best Practice Competition, recognizing its excellence in implementing energy and water projects through public-private partnerships.

According to DEWA, the model has played a key role in attracting significant private-sector and international financial investment into Dubai while supporting the delivery of major strategic infrastructure projects. It has also contributed to achieving record-low energy purchase tariffs for solar power projects at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, improving the cost efficiency of renewable energy development.

DEWA adopted the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model in 2014 as an alternative to the traditional engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) approach. Since then, the authority has continuously developed the model to meet the requirements of its strategic projects, attracting leading international developers and investors and enhancing project delivery efficiency.

One of the flagship developments implemented under the model is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is being developed as the world’s largest single-site solar park. The project is planned to achieve a total production capacity exceeding 8,000 MW by 2030, significantly supporting Dubai’s clean energy transition and renewable energy targets.

DEWA has also extended the private-sector partnership model to the water sector through the Hassyan Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) project, its first Independent Water Producer (IWP) project. The desalination project is designed to achieve a production capacity of 180 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) of desalinated water, strengthening Dubai’s water security and supporting the emirate’s long-term demand for potable water.

DEWA said the success of its private-sector partnership model is underpinned by an integrated framework based on good governance, transparency, a supportive legislative and regulatory environment, and comprehensive technical, economic, and financial feasibility studies. The framework also focuses on fair value creation for stakeholders and effective risk management to enhance investor confidence and ensure the long-term sustainability of strategic infrastructure projects.

The continued application of the IWPP and IPP models is expected to support further investment in Dubai’s power and water sectors, while advancing the emirate’s clean energy ambitions and strengthening its position as a global destination for infrastructure investment.