EDF, France announces that it will explore the development of a 5 GW pumped-storage hydropower plant in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. This project represents a significant step toward enhancing energy storage capacity and ensuring a resilient, sustainable energy future.
According to Luc Koechlin CEO of EDF Middle East, speaking at the Ras Al Khaimah Municipality Department Energy Summit, the project, designed to store energy for up to 12 hours, represents a “country-level” initiative focused on stabilizing electricity supply in the UAE, where clean energy is playing an increasingly vital role in the energy mix.
The company stated that, by leveraging innovative solutions like pumped-storage hydropower, we aim to provide reliable energy infrastructure that aligns with the UAE’s ambitious climate goals and supports its vision for a Net Zero economy.
In 2017, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) awarded a AED 58 million ($15.79 million) consultancy contract for a pumped-storage hydroelectric power station at Hatta Dam to EDF.
The power station will have a production capacity of 250 megawatts, a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt hours and a lifespan of up to 80 years. It was due to be completed late this year but will now be ready for use around the start of 2025.
