DEWA and Etihad Rail to develop low‑carbon rail infrastructure in UAE
DEWA and Etihad Rail to develop low‑carbon rail infrastructure, integrating solar, storage and smart grids to accelerate the UAE’s carbon‑neutral ambitions.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Etihad Rail have opened talks to create a global benchmark for low‑carbon rail infrastructure and accelerate the UAE’s carbon neutrality goals. The discussions, led by DEWA’s Managing Director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, focused on integrating clean energy, storage and smart technologies across the national rail network. DEWA said the meeting reflects a shared commitment to align rail development with the nation’s vision for an integrated, sustainable infrastructure.
Meeting focused on low‑carbon infrastructure
DEWA hosted a delegation from Etihad Rail led by Mohammed Abdullah Al Shehi, Head of Projects, and Ahmed Lutaah, Executive Director for Commercial Affairs. Officials discussed joint workstreams aimed at reducing lifecycle emissions from rail operations and related logistics corridors.
The two sides signalled a desire to set an international standard for rail infrastructure that uses renewable power, advanced storage and digital controls. DEWA described the initiative as part of a wider push to make transport corridors exemplars of low‑carbon development.
DEWA highlights clean energy and smart grid expertise
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer underlined DEWA’s track record in utility‑scale solar generation, battery energy storage, and smart grid deployment. He said these capabilities can be deployed to ensure reliable, low‑carbon power for rail networks and associated facilities.
DEWA also cited its work on AI‑supported infrastructure and digital platforms that optimise generation, demand and distribution. Officials suggested combining these systems with rail operations could improve energy efficiency and lower operational costs over time.
Potential applications along the rail network
Delegates discussed multiple practical applications, including dedicated solar arrays for traction power, on‑site energy storage to stabilise supply, and grid interconnection for operational redundancy. Proposals also included electrified freight corridors and smart stations with integrated energy management systems.
Planned applications extended beyond traction power to include automated depot energy systems, predictive maintenance powered by AI, and charging infrastructure for electric service vehicles. The conversation emphasised modular, scalable solutions that could be piloted at strategic rail nodes before wider rollout.
Collaboration roadmap and pilot projects
Both parties agreed on initial steps that include joint feasibility studies, technical pilots, and the development of interoperability standards for energy and digital systems. DEWA indicated that pilot projects would prioritise sections of track and facilities where renewable integration offers immediate emissions and cost benefits.
Officials also discussed governance structures for the partnership, data‑sharing arrangements, and timelines to test integrated solutions. The meeting laid the groundwork for a phased approach that moves from design studies to field demonstrations and then to broader deployment.
National targets and sectoral impact
DEWA and Etihad Rail framed the cooperation as directly supporting the UAE’s broader carbon‑neutral ambitions and efforts to decarbonise logistics and freight. By aligning rail infrastructure with clean power and smart operations, the partnership aims to cut transport‑sector emissions while enhancing supply‑chain resilience.
Industry observers say the model could yield economic as well as environmental benefits by lowering operating costs, improving service reliability, and creating exportable expertise in low‑carbon rail systems. Officials indicated that the initiative may also stimulate local technology and manufacturing opportunities tied to renewables and intelligent infrastructure.
The two organisations will now move toward technical workshops and detailed studies to define pilot locations, performance targets and investment requirements. Both sides expressed intent to report progress publicly as projects move from concept to implementation, with the aim of showcasing UAE achievements in sustainable transport infrastructure.