Dubai receives 12 bids for pumped-hydro storage consultant

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) call for bids for the provision of engineering consultancy services for a pumped-storage hydro project in Hatt and a total of 12 bids have been placed in response.

According to reports the list of bidders includes Poyry Switzerland, French utility EDF, Mott McDonald, MWH UK, Aecom, Tractebel, SNC Lavalin and WSP Middle East.

The project is a 250 MW hydroelectric power station next to the Al Hattawi dam in Hatta area. It comprises solar-powered water turbines that will be used to pump water from the existing lower reservoir to an upper reservoir that will be built. Electricity will be generated by releasing water from the upper to the lower reservoir through turbines. The dam impounds a 1,716 million gallons reservoir 400 meters above sea level. 

The efficiency of the power station will reach 90% with response to demand for energy within 90 seconds. The project's lifespan is expected to be 60-80 years. Apart from electricity generation and irrigation, the project will also enable flood control and storage of drinking water in the Hatta area.

This is a project under the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan, which also envisages the installation of multiple rooftop solar systems and electric vehicle charging stations.