In Pictures: Dubai’s only coal power plant switches to gas

The Hassyan power and water production complex operated by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in Dubai. Hassyan will switch to using natural gas, as per an agreement between the Hassyan Energy Co. and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DEWA.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, welcomed the decision of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), with the agreement of the Hassyan Energy Company, to convert the 2,400MW Hassyan Power Complex in Dubai.

"This step supports Dubai's energy supply security by diversifying the energy mix through the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Dubai's carbon neutrality strategy 2050 to provide 100 per cent of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.

The move is also in line with international efforts to reduce reliance on high carbon emissions energy sources.

The initiative is consistent with the pivotal role that gas is expected to play in enabling economic growth in the UAE over the next fifty years," Sheikh Ahmed said. Above, construction works at the Hassyan power and water production complex, operated by Dubai's Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

In Dubai, a road sign directs traffic towards the Hassyan power and water production complex, operated by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

"In line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a carbon-neutral economy by 2050, we implement several programmes and mechanisms within the energy and water sector," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA and Chairman of Hassyan Energy.

"To achieve the directives of the wise leadership and in support of the UAE's efforts to reduce the effects of global warming and climate change, we are moving steadily with our initiatives that reduce carbon emissions. Dubai has a clear strategy and specific goals to increase renewable and clean energy share in the energy mix. Natural gas is considered a safe and environmentally friendly source of energy.

The Hassyan natural gas power complex will be an addition to the Jebel Ali power and water desalination complex, which is one of the main pillars for providing Dubai with reliable, efficient and high-quality electricity and water services," added Al Tayer. Above, chimneys at the Hassyan power and water production complex.

The coal-powered Hassyan power plant is seen under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. The Hassyan Complex includes a water desalination project with a production capacity of 120 Million Imperial Gallons of Water per Day (MIGD) using Reverse Osmosis (RO) based on the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model. RO requires less energy than Multi-Stage Flash distillation (MSF) plants, making it a more sustainable choice for water desalination.