DEWA displays its sustainability, and renewable clean energy initiatives at World Future Energy Summit 2015

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18 Jan 2015

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is participating in the World Future Energy Summit 2015, which is held in Abu Dhabi from 19- 22 January 2015. The summit, which is held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, explores the growing investment opportunities in the clean energy sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), which is one of the most promising renewable energy markets in the world.

DEWA is platinum sponsor of the summit and has a big stand in Hall 6, number 6310 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Apart from DEWA, the stand features the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and a number of organisations and companies under DEWA and the council, including Etihad ESCO, Mai Dubai, Empower, and the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence.

“We are participating in this important summit, which is an important platform to promote knowledge, research, and organisational development. It is a meeting point for renewable and clean energy experts from across the world to exchange expertise and experiences and learn about the latest technologies and practices to develop innovative energy solutions. This will contribute to building a sustainable future for all, and streamlining efforts to address the current challenges facing the energy sector, while creating new business opportunities in renewable and clean energy,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

Al Tayer praised the efforts and the role of the organisers, which have made it one of the leading global energy forums in the world. He also praised the strategic relationship between Masdar and DEWA, noting that these partnerships support DEWA’s vision to become a sustainable world-class utility and enhance the UAE’s leadership in renewable energy investments. These efforts integrate with each other to deliver quality services according to the best global practices and highest standards, especially in clean energy.

“DEWA is working to achieve the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and his Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, to support the sustainable development of the UAE. DEWA participates in different national and international events to exchange experiences and best practices with various stakeholders, to achieve its vision to become a sustainable world-class utility,” added Al Tayer.

DEWA has invited the public initiatives such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is a major project overseen by the Supreme Council of Energy and supervised and managed by DEWA. Its total capacity will reach 1,000MW when it’s completed by 2030. This will be 5% of the total energy production in Dubai, with investments of approximately AED 12 billion by 2030. The second phase, with a capacity of 200MW, is expected to be operational in 2017. Last week, DEWA announced that it doubled the capacity of phase two of the solar park from 100 to 200MW. This IPP is one of the largest strategic renewable-energy projects in the world. A consortium led by ACWA Power and TSK was selected as a preferred bidder based on its proposal for 200MW with the lowest LCOE (Levelised Cost of Energy), which demonstrates the trust that international investors have both in Dubai and in DEWA. The park includes a research and development centre, and an innovation centre for renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies, and an energy academy for training and preparation of the new generation.

DEWA is also displaying its three smart initiatives that support the Smart Dubai initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world and promote sustainability. The initiatives include: connecting solar energy to houses and buildings, smart applications through smart meters and grids, and constructing the electric-vehicle charging station infrastructure. DEWA will also highlight its Sustainable Building in Al Quoz, the first public sector sustainable building in the UAE and the largest government building in the world to get a platinum rating for green buildings (LEED).

Heads of states, ministers and representatives from governments, international organisations, and companies, as well as experts in energy affairs from 170 countries, and local officials participate in WFES 2015. In addition to researching development of renewable energy projects in the MENA region, WFES discusses a wide range of new global-energy directions, including the growing shale gas production and its impact on the spread and use of renewable energy trends, the role of cities in the face of climate change, and opportunities and risks associated with the commercial development and operation of solar energy plants and wind power. Other topics include enhancing energy efficiency, the future of smart grid solutions, the financial viability of PV solar panels and concentrated solar energy projects, and reducing the financial risk for developing projects.

WFES takes place during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), from 17-24 January 2015. ADSW is a global platform that attracts over 32,000 delegates to address the interconnected challenges of economic development, water scarcity, poverty, energy, and climate change that affect the widespread acceleration and adoption of sustainable development and clean energy.