One of the most critical responsibilities of nations today is to be able to design a diverse energy portfolio that supports sustainability and the UAE is at the forefront of this movement.

Dubai is taking significant steps in this direction with the opening of bids by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) for the Hassyan clean coal power plant. Based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, the first phase of the 1,200MW project that will provide electricity from clean coal, is expected to be operational by 2020.

It will enable Dubai to work towards increasing its share of renewable energy options. In fact, Dubai’s commitment to Renewable Energy (RE) has been exemplified by the fact that it decided to recalibrate its energy mix percentages as per the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030. From the initial 1 per cent in its RE mix by 2020, Dewa has increased its target to 7 per cent by 2020.

The Hassyan power plant project is proof of Dubai’s clear grasp of sustainable energy challenges and its preparedness to meet them.