md-ceo-of-dewa-highlights-the-mohammed-bin-rashid-al-maktoum-solar-park-at-global-solar-leaders-summ

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is participating in the Global Solar Leaders Summit 2015, which brings together local and international exhibitors with industry leaders in the Middle East and North Africa. The event is held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA delivered a keynote speech at the Summit. HE Dr. Ibrahim Saif, Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, HE Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Energy, HE Dr. Ahmad Belhoul, CEO of Masdar, and HE Fatima Al Foora Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Electricity, Clean Energy and Desalinated Water Affairs at the Ministry of Energy were present. Al Tayer talked about DEWA’s achievements in renewable energy and highlighted the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. He emphasised on the need to develop the renewable and alternative energy sector, and innovate mew ways to enhance energy efficiency, rationalise use of natural resources, and find alternatives for conventional energy. Al Tayer and HE Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing opened the GulfSol 2015, which is organised in conjunction with the Global Solar Leaders Summit. GulfSol is dedicated to the solar industry, showcasing the very latest solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies. At the Summit, DEWA reviews new ideas, discusses trends in energy management, and opens dialogue channels with decision-makers to exchange ideas and developmental initiatives. Such events create sustainable cooperation opportunities with partners and stakeholders in DEWA’s areas of work, including energy, and particularly renewable energy. “I remember His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, saying that, ‘Renewable energy projects constitute the backbone of our modern lives and sustainable development and will guarantee the achievement of progress and prosperity for the country and the people of UAE.’ At DEWA, we strive to support the implementation of the Vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vision 2021, and the Dubai Plan 2021. We also work to boost the UAE’s position as a global role model for energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainability, creativity, innovation, and attracting investment in renewable energy. DEWA is committed to the sustainable development and happiness of the citizens, residents, and to achieving a sustainable future for generations to come. Dubai recognises the importance of developing the renewable and alternative energy sectors and the need to find innovative ways to raise energy efficiency, reduce use of natural resources, and find alternative solutions for conventional energy. Over the past few years, Dubai has developed its position as a global role model for comprehensive sustainable development. It has introduced a new and innovative vision for sustainability in a way that endures the Emirate’s development, and in the same time protects its natural resources. This is achieved by launching pioneering projects, initiatives, and work plans. This directly supports the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 launched by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, to diversify the Emirate’s energy mix, increase the percentage of renewable energy and reduce energy demand by 30%,” said Al Tayer. “We launched one of the largest new strategic energy projects in the world, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, to support the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030. This affirms Dubai's leadership in solar energy, creating a new sector in the region. The Park includes solar projects with a total capacity of 3,000MW by 2030, based on the Independent Power Producer model. His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the 13MW first phase of the Solar Park based on photovoltaic panels on the 22nd of October, 2013, on World Energy Day. We have set up a new global benchmark in photovoltaic power projects based on the IPP model with the 200MW second phase of the Solar Park. DEWA obtained the lowest price globally at US 5.4 cents per kWh. It will be operational by 2017. This enabled us to increase the percentage of renewables in Dubai’s energy mix target from 1% to 7% by 2020 and from 5% to 15% by 2030, and raise the capacity of phase three of the Solar Park to 800MW based on the Independent Power Producer model. This is a landmark achievement that will put the UAE at the forefront of renewable and clean energy production in the region,” added Al Tayer. “The Solar Park includes an interactive Innovation Centre equipped with the latest renewable and clean energy technologies to enhance National capacities in this field, boost business competitiveness, develop renewable energy technologies, support the overall regional advancement of the industry, and raise social awareness about renewable and sustainable energy. The Park also hosts a Research and Development Centre to conduct studies for industrial and social requirements, scientific research, link researchers, academics and developers, and develop strategies for innovative and productive ideas. We have two testing facilities, one for photovoltaic solar testing and the other for concentrated solar power. The centre is currently testing around 25 modules of PV panels from global manufacturers to check different properties and analyse the results to utilise them in research and development,” said Al Tayer. “To support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for Dubai to become the smartest city in the world, DEWA has launched Shams Dubai. The initiative implements Council Resolution 46 of 2014, issued by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, to regulate the generation of solar energy in buildings and their connection to the electrical grid. Shams Dubai encourages building owners to install photovoltaic solar panels to generate electricity. DEWA will connect the system to its network. The surplus electricity is exported to DEWA’s grid,” added Al Tayer. “We are also deploying the latest applications and technologies to improve government services using state-of-the-art tools and technologies. DEWA has started using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to check on the photovoltaic panels on DEWA’s building. The drones save time, costs, and effort and contribute to improving operational efficiency by accelerating operations, increasing safety during regular network testing and maintenance, and accurately detecting failures. This contributes to providing easier and more user-friendly services according to the highest international standards,” concluded Al Tayer.