DEWA showcases a model of the 1,000MW Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

Abu Dhabi: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is participated as a Platinum Sponsor in the seventh World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2014, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and organised in Abu Dhabi from 20-22 January at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The theme for WFES 2014 is, Powering the future of energy innovation and investment.' DEWA's stand at WFES witnessed a strong turnout from visitors and exhibitors who expressed their admiration of DEWA's achievements in the fields of sustainability and renewable energy. Official delegates and decision-makers discussed ways of collaboration with DEWA to execute future projects in the areas of energy, water, environment, sustainability, and renewable energy to further boost the clean energy sector in the UAE. "In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, DEWA is committed to achieving the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, and support the UAE Vision 2021. DEWA is keen to participate in national and international events to exchange expertise, experiences and best practices with relevant organisations. Through our participation at WFES, we aim to evaluate and focus on the latest advanced technological solutions that can help to improve our performance in administration, operations, and services. This will further strengthen our strategic initiatives to promote the sustainable development of Dubai," said Al Tayer. At its stand, DEWA showcased a model of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is one the largest renewable energy projects in the region, and will generate 1,000MW upon completion in 2030, totalling 5% of Dubai's total power output. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, opened the first phase of the solar park, which uses photovoltaic technology to produce 13MW, and is linked directly to DEWA's grid, which covers all areas of Dubai. His Highness has initiated the second phase, a 100MW photovoltaic plant. This is a leading sustainable project, and a centre for the production of energy from solar power, and a comprehensive innovation and research centre that supports the promotion of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency. The project will also include a renewable energy academy to advance the skills of future professionals. DEWA also highlighted its M Station for electricity generation and water desalination in Jebel Ali, which is equipped with the latest electronic devices and superior systems at a total cost of Dh 10 billion. M Station has a capacity of 2,060MW of electricity, and 140 million imperial gallons of desalinated water per day. M Station is now being expanded with new substations that have a capacity of 400MW, increasing the installed capacity of the station to 2,460MW, upon completion in 2018. DEWA officials delivered presentations on DEWA's Sustainable Building in Al Quoz, which is the first public sector sustainable building in the UAE, and the largest government building in the world with a Platinum rating for green buildings from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the US Green Building Council institute, which has a set of rating criteria for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings, homes and neighbourhoods in the world. The DEWA Sustainable Building achieved 98 out of 110 points. The Sustainable Building reduces consumption of energy by 66% and water by 48%, and houses a 660kW onsite solar power plant. A dedicated team has been appointed by DEWA supervise its stand and provide information about DEWA, and address general and technical questions about its projects. Hosted by Masdar, WFES is a key event under the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, and is regarded as the region's largest gathering of its kind to focus on sustainable development. The Summit aims to identify and promote sustainable solutions to address the energy sector's challenges, climate change, and environmental pollution across the globe. - Emirates News Agency, WAM