DEWA invests Dhs1.36bn in 8 new 132/11 kV transmission substations

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Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has commissioned eight new 132/11 kV transmission substations in the first half of 2024, with a conversion capacity of 1,200 megavolt-amperes.

The state-owned utility firm said the projects included 89 km of ground cable to enhance the efficiency of the 132kV transmission network and meet the growing demand for electricity across the emirate.

“The total number of transmission substations across Dubai reached 382 by the end of June 2024. This includes 27 400 kV substations and 355 132 kV substations,” said Hussain Lootah, executive vice president of Transmission Power at DEWA.

“There are 31 132 kV transmission substations under construction, and DEWA is reviewing financial proposals for six new 132 kV transmission substations.”

The new transmission substations were commissioned in Al Thanya 3, Al Barsha South 4, Wadi Al Shabak, Nadd Hessa, International City Phase 2, Wadi Al Safa 5, and Umm Suqeim 3.

DEWA plans to issue new tenders to build more than 50 132 kV transmission substations over the next three years and extend 350 km of ground transmission cables.

The Dubai-listed firm has awarded new contracts for ten 132 kV substations in various areas across Dubai, including Al Aweer 1, Umm Nahad 4, Al Manara, Umm Suqeim 2, Al Quoz Industrial 3, Hatta, Al Barsha South 3, Al Barsha 2, Wadi Al Safa 4, and Zabeel 2, valued at Dhs1bn.

It also awarded projects to extend 132 kV ground cables to connect the new transmission substations to the main electricity transmission grid. The cables will be 25km long and cost Dhs176m.

Meanwhile, DEWA reported a 15 per cent drop in first-quarter profit despite a surge in demand for energy, water, and cooling services in the city. The company’s profit for the January-March period plunged to Dhs651m, compared to Dhs763m during the same period a year earlier.

The utility major’s revenues in the three months to March 31 reached Dhs5.8bn, up 6.7 per cent year-on-year (YoY) from Dhs5.4bn in Q1 2023. DEWA’s net cash from operating activities increased by Dhs692m to Dhs3.3bn in the quarter, representing a record 26.9 per cent increase compared to the same period a year ago.

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