On Sunday, 1 November 2026, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) International and Shanghai Electric signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on energy, water and green technology projects worldwide. The ceremony, held in Dubai, saw Deem, the executive vice president of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA and vice chairman of DEWA International, sign the document alongside Shen Bing, president of Shanghai Electric Power Generation Group. The partnership is part of DEWA International’s strategy to strengthen ties with prominent global organisations and expand its presence in international markets.
The MoU sets out a collaborative framework that will enable both entities to identify, evaluate, develop and structure potential projects, as well as participate in and invest through tenders. It covers a broad range of infrastructure areas including combined‑cycle power plants, photovoltaic solar, concentrated solar power systems, battery energy storage systems, and wind energy. Desalination, electricity transmission and distribution, and the oil and gas sector are also on the agenda, with a particular emphasis on green hydrogen and green ammonia production and the supply of related equipment and services.
“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,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA and chairman of DEWA International. The statement was followed by an official service in which Jin Xiaolong, vice president of Shanghai Electric Group, congratulated the parties on the agreement. The MoU is intended to foster sustainable and commercially viable projects that contribute to the global transition toward more efficient and environmentally friendly energy systems.
Al Tayer highlighted Dubai’s strengths in utility services and the international reach of DEWA’s capabilities, noting that the partnership would “support our efforts to explore promising opportunities in energy, water and green technologies.” The MoU is designed to unlock synergies in the development of renewable energy and green hydrogen initiatives, with both parties expressing optimism about the potential for joint ventures in markets where the demand for clean technology is expanding.
While the memorandum confirms the intention to pursue collaborative ventures, it does not specify the exact projects that will be pursued or the financial commitments that will be made. Both entities have indicated that they will conduct feasibility studies and due diligence before deciding on the scope, scale and financing of any future joint ventures. The agreement therefore leaves a number of key details—such as project locations, the percentage of investment each party will contribute, and the timeline for execution—to be determined in subsequent negotiations.
In addition to energy and green technology projects, the MoU also involves cooperation in the white‑water desalination and electricity transmission sectors. Shanghai Electric’s experience in large‑scale power generation and energy storage is expected to complement DEWA International’s expertise in utility management and operational excellence, potentially creating a robust platform to deliver integrated solutions to global markets.
The partnership comes at a time when many utilities are exploring green hydrogen as a pathway to decarbonize heavy industries and power generation. Both parties have cited the potential for green hydrogen to play a critical role in meeting international climate targets, and the MoU could enable the scaling of hydrogen production capacity beyond the current limited offerings in the region.
Thus far, the MoU primarily establishes a framework for cooperation, with no definitive projects announced or financial commitments disclosed. The next steps include joint feasibility studies, exploration of tender opportunities, and a clear delineation of the roles each company will play in any forthcoming collaborations. Subscribers of the Flux Daily can expect further updates as the parties progress through these initial stages.
Nevertheless, the only uncertainties that have been publicly cited pertain to the specific nature and scale of the projects, the investment terms, the timeline for the first joint venture, and the exact mechanisms for sharing technology and expertise. No final decisions have yet been made regarding which projects will move forward or how the partnership will be structured financially or operationally.
