Dubai World Trade Centre powers up with solar energy, spearheading sustainability across its assets

DUBAI, 6th October, 2016 (WAM) -- In its ongoing commitment to championing the UAE’s clean energy agenda, the Dubai World Trade Centre, DWTC, has conducted an extensive feasibility study to use solar energy across its real estate assets, in both the Trade Centre and Jebel Ali locations. Within the DWTC complex, the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, DICEC, is planning to be the flagship asset that will incorporate next-generation technologies for optimisation of solar power as well as the latest energy conservation methods. "DWTC’s commitment to contributing to the UAE’s clean energy agenda is exemplified in our deployment of pioneering sustainable and renewable energy solutions across the DWTC complex. The integral convention and exhibition assets in particular will spearhead our efforts to drive innovation and be the future global benchmark for sustainability, as it is aligned with Dubai’s master plan for a green future," said Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, DTCM, and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, DWTCA. "The detailed feasibility study aims to incorporate next generation technologies for the exhibition halls that will be part of the retained permanent event and conference facilities within the DWTC complex. We envision this project at the heart of Dubai’s new business district, to serve as the emirate’s showcase initiative for clean and sustainable energy on an international stage," he added. As part of the initial phases of DWTC’s comprehensive sustainability programme, the Trade Centre complex will see the installation of a 1.2MW photovoltaic solar power plant spanning around 10,500 square metres and featuring around 4,500 photovoltaic modules, to generate an estimated 1,800 MWh/year to cater for 60 x 1-bedroom apartment equivalent residential unit requirements annually. One Central, DWTC’s newest mixed-use development, has pioneered sustainability as part of Phase 1 of the wider programme with its investments in solar rooftop technologies and innovative clean energy solutions. The project that has already been awarded to LEED Gold Status, is expected to generate 58 percent of its hot water demand by utilising Photovoltaic Cells within the skylights of its commercial assets, solar panel rooftops and flat plate collectors. DWTC has also announced plans to build a solar-powered 6-storey car park, extending the application of the efficient solar rooftop technology, making the structure operable on natural resources and dramatically reducing its carbon footprint by adding flat plate collectors. All initiatives that have been assessed and outlined as part of the strategic DWTC renewable energy and sustainability programme for implementation across One Central, the DICEC complex and the Jebel Ali development, follow the Dubai Green Building Regulations and renewable energy guidelines from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. The Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, as announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, prioritises the utilisation of sustainable energy in its commitment to making Dubai the city with the least carbon footprint in the world within the next three decades. "The DWTC continues to accelerate its undertaking of seeking out, sourcing and implementing sustainable energy solutions in every aspect of its operations from mindful and responsible energy consumption to conservation, renewal and reuse, contributing actively to the strategic agenda for Dubai 2050 in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid," added Almarri. - (Emirates News Agency, WAM ) http://www.wam.ae/en/news/general/1395300760883.html