In brief
DEWA International and Shanghai Electric today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on combined‑cycle power plants, solar, wind, battery storage, desalination, green hydrogen and greenhouse ammonia projects. The agreement will broaden both companies' reach in global markets by leveraging Dubai's utilities expertise and Shanghai Electric's engineering capabilities.
On Sunday, November 1, 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Dubai between DEWA International, the global arm of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Shanghai Electric, marking a formal step toward joint investment in energy, water, and green technology projects around the world.
The ceremony, described by the World Media Association (WAM) news agency, was witnessed by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA as well as Chairman of DEWA International. The signing was conducted by Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA and Vice Chairman of DEWA International, and Shen Bing, President of Shanghai Electric Power Generation Group. The event also included Jin Xiaolong, Vice President of Shanghai Electric Group, and other officials from both sides.
Al Tayer emphasized that the partnership aligns with DEWA International’s strategy of building strategic alliances and expanding its presence in international markets. He said the collaboration will help explore opportunities in the energy, water, and green technology sectors and develop “sustainable and commercially viable projects that contribute to the global transition to more efficient and sustainable energy systems.”
The MoU establishes a framework for the two companies to identify, evaluate, develop, and structure potential projects, as well as to participate in and invest through tenders. The cooperation areas include combined‑cycle power plants, photovoltaic solar and concentrated solar power systems, battery energy storage systems, wind energy, seawater desalination, electricity transmission and distribution, green hydrogen, green ammonia, and supply of equipment and related services for the oil and gas sector.
According to the WAM report, the agreement seeks to meld Dubai’s pioneering utilities expertise with Shanghai Electric’s global engineering capabilities. By coordinating on a diverse portfolio of technologies, the partners aim to create integrated solutions that address both current demands and future sustainability goals.
The MoU is part of a broader strategy by DEWA International to strengthen its network of partnerships worldwide. The agency’s global arm regularly seeks collaborations with leading organizations in order to broaden its project pipeline and secure technology partnerships that can be adapted to different regional contexts.
Shanghai Electric, meanwhile, has a long history in power generation and engineering. The company’s Power Generation Group, headed by President Shen Bing, is recognized for designing, building, and operating power plants, and it now confirms its commitment to collaborating on green hydrogen and green ammonia production as part of the MoU.
The announcement was made amidst heightened global focus on decarbonization and water scarcity. Both combined‑cycle and renewable technologies included in the MoU are seen as critical pathways for reducing carbon emissions while providing reliable energy sources. The inclusion of desalination, and especially seawater desalination, underscores the importance of water security in arid regions and the role of innovative utilities in addressing global water shortages.
Experts from WAM noted that the sector is increasingly adopting green hydrogen and green ammonia as alternatives to fossil‑fuel‑derived chemicals. The MoU positions the two organizations to contribute to a shift toward more clean and sustainable energy systems by exploring joint projects that can be scaled across various markets.
While the MoU does not commit to immediate projects, it creates a platform for joint exploration and investment opportunities. Both parties will co‑evaluate project proposals, participate in tenders, and leverage their respective strengths in project development and execution. The agreement signals an intention to co‑create infrastructure solutions that span the entire energy value chain.
Notable announcements from the ceremony included outlines of potential future collaborations in the areas of electricity transmission and distribution, aligning with a global trend toward modernizing grid infrastructure to accommodate higher shares of renewable generation.
In summary, the MoU between DEWA International and Shanghai Electric signifies a cross‑continental partnership that combines UAE utility expertise with Eastern engineering capability to pursue a wide portfolio of energy, water, and green technology projects. The joint effort aims to address critical infrastructure needs while supporting the transition toward more sustainable and efficient systems worldwide.
