Over 110,000 visit DEWA’s stand in UAE pavilion at Expo Milan

Wednesday 16 September 2015

Dubai – MENA Herald: Over 110,000 people visited Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA’s) stand in the UAE pavilion at Expo Milan 2015 from 1 May till 31 August 2015. The exhibition whose theme is ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life’ continues until 31 October 2015.

Expo Milan 2015 is a global event that runs for 6 months. It brings together governments, international businesses, experts, investors, and researchers from all over the world. The exhibition raises awareness and stimulates debate on food production, sustainability, health, and energy.

“Our participation in the exhibition supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the UAE’s preparations to host the best World Expo that the world has ever seen in Dubai. It also strengthens The Emirate’s position as a global role model for energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainability, creativity, innovation, and attracting investments in the energy sector,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.

“DEWA supports these efforts by focusing on building a world-class energy infrastructure that meets all developmental needs in Dubai. We have launched a large number of successful initiatives, allocating over AED2.6 billion to support the electricity, water, and renewable energy infrastructure according to the highest international standards. This supports the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative and Expo’s theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ and its three subthemes of Sustainability, Mobility, and Opportunity,” added Al Tayer.

“At Expo Milan, we highlight DEWA’s strategies and achievements and the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, launched by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy to diversify Dubai’s energy mix, reduce energy demand by 30% by 2030, and increase the share of renewable energy in Dubai’s energy mix to 7% by 2020 and 15% by 2030. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is one of the largest strategic renewable energy projects in the world based on the Independent Power Producer model, attracts DEWA’s stand visitors and energy and environmental experts. The Solar Park’s capacity will reach 1,000MW by 2020 and 3,000MW by 2030. DEWA manages the Solar Park whose 13MW first phase became operational on 22 October 2013. The 200MW second phase will be operational in 2017. Phase three of the Solar Park will produce 800MW. The Solar Park hosts an interactive Innovation Centre, a Research and Development Centre, a solar-testing facility, a University, and a training centre,” noted Al Tayer.

“DEWA also showcases the key projects it is implementing to increase the share of renewable energy in Dubai. These include the Hassyan clean-coal power plant, which is based in the IPP model. The first phase of the 1,200MW project will be operational by 2020. DEWA’s Sustainable Building in Al Quoz, is the first sustainable government building in the UAE and the largest government building in the world to receive a Platinum Rating for green buildings from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The building uses 66% less energy and 48% less water. Renewable energy is available through an on-site 660kW solar power plant,” added Al Tayer.

“We are also presenting DEWA’s smart initiatives that support the Smart Dubai initiative to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world, enhance living standards, and achieve its sustainable development. The first initiative, Shams Dubai, encourages building owners to install photovoltaic solar panels to produce electricity. The electricity generated is used on-site and the surplus is exported to DEWA’s grid. This encourages the use of renewable energy, increases its share in the energy mix, and diversifies energy sources. The second initiative, Smart Applications and Meters, includes using smart meters and grids that contribute to fast-service connection, fast response, and rationalising energy use. DEWA has developed a roadmap and strategy for smart electricity and water systems, valued at AED7 billion.  This builds a strong communications infrastructure to support the demand-side management programme and connection of renewable energy resources. DEWA has started the smart-meter infrastructure project. It plans to install 1,200,000 new smart meters for new connections and replace all mechanical and electromechanical meters within the next 5 years. The third initiative is to establish the infrastructure to build 100 electric vehicle charging stations (Green Charger) this year. DEWA has built 16 Green Charger stations and will install 84 more stations this year,” concluded Al Tayer.

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