Sharjah's Power Lines Go Underground

The central region of Sharjah has entered a new era in the development of its energy network. The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has undertaken a large-scale infrastructure development, laying more than 81 kilometers of high and low voltage cables in the areas of Al Dhaid, Madam, Maliha, and Al Bataeh. The new system not only makes power supply more reliable and efficient, but it also guarantees safer operation in the long term, especially during the increasingly frequent extreme weather events.

Objective of the Development: Supporting Sustainable Growth

The central part of Sharjah is increasingly becoming a hub for the expansion of residential and economic activities. Previously considered a peripheral area, it is now a dynamically developing center where new residential projects, agricultural investments, and public services are emerging. SEWA recognized that the energy network needs to be adapted to this development—not with temporary solutions but with a durable, future-ready infrastructure.

Under the project, more than 45 different types of facilities—including residential buildings, agricultural areas, industrial sites, and government institutions—have been connected to the new network. Among the supplied projects are significant developments such as Sharjah Safari, wheat farms, university campuses, markets, museums, schools, and mosques.

Underground Cables: Not Just a City Privilege

The gradual replacement of overhead lines with underground systems marks significant progress in the stability and security of the network. Such cabling was previously typically confined to urban centers, but Sharjah's example demonstrates that advanced infrastructure is no longer the exclusive privilege of urban areas. Cables placed underground are better protected against storms, sandstorms, and other weather effects, and they also contribute to a reduction in regular maintenance needs.

Vision: Reliable Energy Accessible to All

SEWA's forward-looking plans include the complete elimination of remaining overhead lines in the central region by 2026, as well as the installation of new distribution stations to meet increased demand. Simultaneously, they will provide equitable access to the infrastructure, in alignment with the emirate's energy strategy, regardless of whether someone lives in an urban or rural environment.

The initiative aligns with the UAE's comprehensive efforts to increase energy security and equitably distribute developments across the country's various regions. Such investments not only represent technical progress but also contribute to community well-being and the creation of a sustainable future.

(Source of the article: Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) statement.)