DEWA Awards Contract for Building R&D Centre to Navigant Global

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has awarded the contract for building its Research and Development (R&D) Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park to Navigant's Global Energy Practice. R&D plays a key part in driving DEWA’s vision to promote sustainability in energy supply, achieve diversification of energy resources, and promote innovative effective and environment-friendly initiatives. It also complements Dubai’s goal to build a knowledge-based economy, by improving the standards of efficiency and supporting initiatives for renewable energy, especially solar energy, as well as other activities of DEWA. “In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as a global hub for trade, finance, tourism and knowledge economy and as a global model in energy management, efficiency and sustainability, the centre will adopt a strategic perspective to keep pace with scientific developments and research in the field of renewable energy. This also supports the goals of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 to diversify energy sources and promote energy efficiency,” said Al Tayer. “The Centre will enhance Dubai's position in renewable energy research in line with the vision of our wise leadership to diversify energy sources and to develop capacities in global energy markets. It also enhances Dubai’s leading role as a global centre for research and development in renewable energy. DEWA enhances capacity-building in the renewable energy sector to meet the demands of sustainable development in the Emirate through partnerships. We contribute to create a platform for creativity and innovation in renewable energy and clean technology, and will contribute to the training of national cadres,” added Al Tayer. “The key purpose of the R&D centre will be to encourage innovative and value-added projects by providing researchers with the necessary resources and financing solutions. It will develop formal linkages with local and international research units, support greater collaboration between researchers and the industrial sector, conduct screening of industrial and social needs, provide guidance and scientific consultation to researchers and prepare exit strategies for new innovative ideas,” concluded Al Tayer. The scope of the Advisory services of Navigant include defining the corporate strategy of the centre by proposing efficient and sustainable strategy goals, and designing a plan of action that is accurate and applicable to the organisational structure and operations. It will also study potential partnerships between the public and private sectors, identify the needs of the community, existing industrial R&D in the region, and areas for improvement in the core activities of DEWA. It will also seek to explore R&D to promote the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, as well as opportunities for strengthening international partnerships in research. The study will identify industries associated with the assessment of sustainability, profitability and long-term development, and assess the risks involved and detailed analysis of the costs and benefits of the operations of the Centre for Research and Development and the implementation of the road map. “Navigant is delighted to be awarded this important contract. DEWA and Dubai have a central role in our global network of world leading power and water utilities and R&D centres. We are looking forward to developing an effective long-term partnership,” said Jan Vrins, Managing Director and Navigant’s Global Head of Energy. “Navigant is fully committed to the success of this mission critical project. DEWA’s R&D centre will serve as a centre of excellence and make a significant contribution to the global development and deployment of new, relevant technologies. Working together enables Navigant to make a material impact to DEWA’s overall mission and to further the objectives of Emiratisation,” said Ian Smyth, Managing Director and Navigant’s Head of Energy in the UK and Middle East.