DEWA with GE organises 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing workshop

Thursday 15 June 2017

Dubai - MENA Herald: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has organised 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Workshop, in cooperation with General Electric (GE). This is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between DEWA and GE last March to collaborate in 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and Industrial Internet technologies. The workshop supports DEWA’s 3D Printing plan, in cooperation with the GE Additive Manufacturing Unit.

The workshop was attended by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, Dr. Dalya Al Muthanna, President & CEO of GE Gulf, DEWA’s Executive Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents, 50 DEWA staff, and officials from GE Additive Manufacturing Unit.

“This workshop supports our efforts to achieve the objectives of the Dubai 3D-Printing Strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to exploit this promising technology to serve humanity and promote the status of the UAE as a leading hub of 3D printing technology. Our efforts in this supports DEWA's vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility that adopts world-class standards to improve efficiency in the production, transmission and distribution of energy and water, develop future services and projects that enhance DEWA’s position as one of the best utilities in the world, and enhance Dubai’s leading position globally.

At DEWA, we work under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to develop long-term proactive plans to keep pace with disruptive technologies and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and provide world-class services that enhance the quality of life in Dubai. We have a comprehensive strategy to motivate creative ideas and proposals that are the cornerstones of DEWA’s organisational values. We recognise the importance of keeping abreast of rapid technological developments by providing a stimulating, creative, and quality environment aimed at devising the best creative solutions,” said Al Tayer in his keynote speech.

“Through our R&D initiatives at DEWA, we are working to optimise the potential of 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and other innovative technologies. We are currently building an R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which includes a laboratory for drones and 3D printing research. The lab is the first building in UAE to be fully printed onsite and first 3D-printed laboratory building in the world. At DEWA, we adopt 3D printing technology as an in-house innovation solution to replace defective or broken non-metallic parts of electrical equipment. This eliminates the lead time for procurement, reduces costs, extends the lifetime of the equipment, and enhances innovation at DEWA.

DEWA builds capacity for 3D printing by collaborating with leading organisations such as General Electric and developing R&D in the use of 3D printing in utilities. We currently focus on using making use of this technology for different purposes including printing spare parts for 11KV switchgear, and drones part design and printing, as well as parts for internal solar equipment,” added Al Tayer.

Al Tayer noted that DEWA’s 3D-printing programme has been selected to be part of the 10X initiative launched by His Highness. Dubai 10X sets the Government of Dubai on a mission to be a global leader that is 10 years ahead of all other cities. This is done through government innovation and reformulation of traditional work mechanisms to keep up with the changes taking place in the world, taking advantage of the enormous potential offered by modern technologies. The initiative seeks to cooperate with other government organisations in Dubai to adopt new models for future governments by bringing about a comprehensive change in the government's work system, and developing innovative ideas and future plans that will reshape the government’s role in servicing societies and the making the future.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum once observed that “Every challenge is an opportunity for learning, a chance to test our capabilities and knowledge.” This is the foundation of the leadership’s vision that has paved the way for us to build a brighter future, which motivates us to work hard, and with determination.

Challenges will arise, though meeting our aspired objectives is not impossible. We work in adherence with our leadership’s vision to be number one in all areas. DEWA provides all that is necessary to enhance knowledge and creative capabilities, and spares no effort in supporting creativity and innovation. I am confident that today's workshop will come up with significant results and ideas that will enhance DEWA’s innovation process, and support our efforts to develop innovative solutions in the use of 3D printing and additive manufacturing, as well as the development of future technologies that will play an essential role in enhancing productivity and operational efficiency, contributing to making Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world,” conclude Al Tayer.

“The first workshop, following our MoU with DEWA, has been a great learning experience for both entities, as we discussed the practical implementation of additive manufacturing and 3D printing for the utilities sector,” said Dr. Al Muthanna.

“Additive manufacturing is a remarkable opportunity to drive operational efficiency and productivity, and our partnership with DEWA will help co-create 3D printing technologies relevant to the region, and support Dubai’s vision to be a hub for 3D printing,” Al Muthanna added.

As per the MoU between DEWA and GE, the two sides collaborate in research and innovation to develop 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and digital technologies including the Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial Internet, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics. This will enhance productivity, efficiency, sustainability, energy efficiency, smart grid integration, and other future technologies and innovations.

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