In brief
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s international arm and Shanghai Electric signed a MoU to jointly develop and invest in energy, water and green technology projects around the world. The partnership focuses on combined‑cycle power plants, solar and wind technologies, storage, desalination, and green hydrogen and ammonia production. The agreement aims to leverage DEWA’s expertise and Shanghai Electric’s global reach to accelerate the green transition.
On 1 November 2026, at De Bai Arena in Dubai, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between DEWA International, the global arm of Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), and Shanghai Electric, a leading Chinese energy and power contractor, to collaborate on a range of energy, water and green technology projects worldwide.
DEWA International is headed by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and aims to build strategic partnerships across global markets. Shanghai Electric Power Generation Group, led by President Shen Bing, is one of China’s largest power equipment manufacturers, with extensive experience in power plant construction and renewable projects.
Under the MoU, the two organisations will work together to identify, evaluate, develop, and structure potential projects, as well as participate in tenders and funding opportunities. The framework covers a broad portfolio that includes combined‑cycle power plants, photovoltaic solar and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), wind energy, seawater desalination, electricity transmission and distribution, green hydrogen, green ammonia, and supply of equipment and services for the oil and gas sector.
Strategic Vision for Sustainable Energy
“At DEWA International, we are committed to expanding our presence in global markets and building strategic partnerships that leverage Dubai’s pioneering expertise in the utilities sector and the global capabilities of our partners. Our partnership with Shanghai Electric supports our efforts to explore promising opportunities in energy, water and green technologies and develop sustainable and commercially viable projects that contribute to the global transition to more efficient and sustainable energy systems,” said Al Tayer.
At DEWA International, we are committed to expanding our presence in global markets and building strategic partnerships that leverage Dubai’s pioneering expertise in the utilities sector and the global capabilities of our partners. Our partnership with Shanghai Electric supports our efforts to explore promising opportunities in energy, water and green technologies and develop sustainable and commercially viable projects that contribute to the global transition to more efficient and sustainable energy systems.
Potential Impact on Global Energy and Water Markets
The cooperation is expected to accelerate the deployment of cleaner technologies in emerging and established markets. Combined‑cycle power plants, known for their high efficiency and lower emissions, will provide reliable baseload generation while renewable assets such as solar PV, CSP, and wind will bolster decentralised power supply. Battery energy storage will help manage intermittency and enhance grid stability.
In the water arena, the inclusion of seawater desalination technologies aligns with rising global demand for fresh water, especially in arid regions. The partnership’s focus on green hydrogen and ammonia production could provide low‑carbon alternatives for industrial processes and transportation, complementing global initiatives to decarbonise heavy industry.
By integrating supply‑side expertise from DEWA and on‑shoring construction capabilities from Shanghai Electric, the MoU aims to create commercially viable projects that meet rigorous environmental standards. The collaboration could open new avenues for investment, technology transfer, and capacity building in markets where clean energy solutions remain under‑developed.
The MO has set the stage for future joint ventures and co‑investment opportunities. While specific project timelines and financial commitments were not disclosed in the ceremony, both parties expressed confidence that the partnership will lead to measurable progress in the transition to sustainable energy systems across multiple continents.
With DEWA’s global footprint and Shanghai Electric’s technical and market penetration, the partnership is positioned to influence the global shift toward cleaner, more resilient power and water infrastructure. The MoU not only signals a commitment to environmental stewardship but also demonstrates practical pathways for scaling green technologies beyond regional borders, setting a precedent for other utilities and industrial power producers worldwide.
