Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has reached a deal to convert the 2,400MW Hassyan Power Complex in Dubai to natural gas from clean coal.

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.

Lauding the Dewa decision, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, said: "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 percent of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050."

"The move is also in line with international efforts to reduce relying 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," observed Sheikh Ahmed.

Dewa is implementing a number of programmes and mechanisms within the energy and water sector to make Dubai a carbon neutral economy by 2050, said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA and Chairman of Hassyan Energy.

"To achieve this, we are moving steadily with our initiatives that reduce carbon emissions. Dubai has a clear strategy and specific goals to increase the share of renewable and clean energy in the energy mix," stated Al Tayer.

"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," he added.