DEWA promotes its Shams Dubai initiative at Cityscape Global 2016

Dubai - MENA Herald: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is participating at Cityscape Global 2016, which lasts until 8 September 2016. DEWA promotes its Shams Dubai initiative at Stand number S3E01 at Sheikh Saeed Hall, as part of its efforts to support the sustainable development of Dubai. Shams Dubai is one of DEWA’s smart initiatives that encourages building owners to install photovoltaic panels on their rooftops to generate electricity from solar power.
The electricity is used onsite and the surplus is exported to DEWA’s grid. An offset between exported and imported electricity units is conducted and the customer account is settled based on this offset. This supports the sustainability efforts in Dubai and enhances Dubai’s position as a global role model in energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, and creativity.
DEWA’s stand at Cityscape whose theme is ‘Invest Responsibly with Shams Dubai’, has attracted a large number of participants and visitors. They commended DEWA’s efforts in supporting the sustainable development of Dubai and spreading awareness about the importance of using more renewable and clean energy sources. They also praised DEWA’s efforts in encouraging customers to be energy producers as part of its Shams Dubai initiative.
“Our wise leadership attaches great importance to the diversification of the energy mix in the UAE. This is based on a vision that recognises the significance of renewable and sustainable energy in achieving a balance between development and the environment. This will help protect the rights of future generations to live in a clean, healthy, and safe environment. That’s why, we are participating in Cityscape to highlight Shams Dubai, in support of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Rule of Dubai, who has emphasised the importance of conserving our energy and water resources, diversifying our energy mix, and promoting our role as a global hub for green economy and renewable energy. Shams Dubai also supports the Smart Dubai initiative launched by His Highness to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world. This also support DEWA’s efforts in achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, launched by His Highness to provide 7% of Dubai’s energy from clean sources by 2020, 25% by 2030, and 75% by 2050, and make Dubai a global centre for clean energy and green economy,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.
Shams Dubai achieves significant results
DEWA has achieved significant results in its Shams Dubai initiative. So far, a total of 43 photovoltaic systems have been installed, with 17 of them connected to DEWA’s grid. DEWA is working to connect 26 other projects. Contractors and consultants from 41 companies are currently enrolled with DEWA. The website has received over 100,000 visits since its launch.
One of the key projects completed and connected to DEWA’s grid as part of Shams Dubai initiative, is a 1.5 megawatt direct current (MWdc) photovoltaic generation project at Jebel Ali Power Station. It is one of the largest single-rooftop arrays in the Middle East and North Africa. DEWA installed 5,240 photovoltaic panels on the 23,000 square-metre roof of the water reservoir at its M-Station. The project reduces 1,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
DEWA connected a 1 megawatt (MW) project at Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre in Warsan. It increases the use of alternative energy while reducing carbon emissions. The installed system includes 2,990 photovoltaic panels installed on the rooftop of the centre’s car park, which spans over 7,848 square metres. The system generates about 1,884 MW of electricity annually.
DEWA has also connected a photovoltaic system at Premier Composite Technologies in Dubai Investment Park, with a capacity of 200 kilowatts (kW), which equals over 320MW of electricity production every year. Photovoltaic systems were also connected to the rooftop top of the Jumeirah World Trade Centre Residence with a capacity of 31.1kW, which equals 46MW of electricity every year, using 102 photovoltaic panels over 247 square metres.
DEWA connected a photovoltaic system to Dubai Municipality’s building in Al Kifaf with a capacity of 12kW, which equals 17 MW of electricity every year. This was done using 48 photovoltaic panels over 127 square metres. One of the first projects implemented as part of Shams Dubai, was the installation of 30kW capacity on the rooftop of the Employee Gate at Al Maktoum International Airport.
DEWA is collaborating with 18 government organisations in Dubai to connect 37 projects under the Shams Dubai initiative, with a total capacity of 279kW and together produce about 445MW annually. DEWA finished installing 23 solar energy systems in 5 government schools, 10 villas within the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation’s housing project, Dubai Media Incorporated Building, Al Bayan and Emarat Alyoum’s building, Dubai Land Department, the Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex, and the Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai Police, Dubai Fishermen's Association, Islamic Affairs & Charitable Activities Department and Awqaf & Minors Affairs Foundation (Green Mosque).
“DEWA values the cooperation with different government and private organisations, to support the Shams Dubai initiative, aimed at producing electricity locally. This reflects the cooperation of various government departments in Dubai to protect the environment by producing clean energy, while supporting Dubai’s economy, and ensuring a sustainable future for the Emirate. These efforts support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to transform Dubai into the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world by 2050. We are glad to have enrolled contractors and consultants from 41 different companies, and that the website has received over 100,000 visits since its launch. This reflects the interest to benefit from this initiative which reduces electricity bills, increases the property value, while contributing towards achieving the objectives set by Dubai Government. These objectives aim to diversify energy resources, and create a smart, sustainable, and happy city, to ensure a sustainable future for us, and for generations to come,” said Al Tayer.
“I urge all members of society to be our partners in producing renewable energy, and achieving Dubai Government’s objectives to diversify the energy mix. This supports a smart, sustainable, and happy city and contributes to achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to transform Dubai into the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world by 2050, ensuring a sustainable future for us, and for generations to come,” added Al Tayer.
Regulation of electricity produced from photovoltaic panels to the power distribution system in Dubai
To regulate electricity produced from photovoltaic panels to the power distribution system in Dubai, the Dubai Executive Council issued resolution number 46 for 2014 to put in place a comprehensive legislative framework to connect electricity produced from solar power to the distribution system. The resolution defines DEWA’s responsibility to develop a policy for solar energy electricity production.
Easy steps to install photovoltaic systems in Buildings
DEWA has outlined easy steps to install photovoltaic systems in buildings to generate solar power as part of Shams Dubai initiative. The installation process starts with the customer contacting one of the consultants or contractors accredited by DEWA to study the possibility of installing the solar power system and suggest the best solution. The consultant or contractor then obtains the necessary approvals from DEWA. These include an NOC (No Objection Certificate) for the installation of a solar power system and connecting it to the grid, and approvals for the solar system design that meets all the requirements. After obtaining the necessary approvals, the consultant or contractor undertakes on-site work. After completing installation, they submit a notification to DEWA to conduct the technical inspection of the site and install the meter to complete the connection process.
Enrolling and accrediting consultants and contractors
DEWA enrols and accredits consultants and contractors. To enrol with DEWA as a solar photovoltaic electrical consultant or contractor, the company must have a valid trade licence issued by the Department of Economic Development. The company must also have at least one graduate electrical engineer under their sponsorship with at least one year’s experience in supervising electrical works and design in compliance with DEWA’s regulations for electrical installations. The company’s employees should also pass the photovoltaic systems Expert programme, and submit applications via DEWA’s website. Trainees can learn about the technical requirements, and safety standards. This is part of DEWA’s efforts to ensure photovoltaic systems are designed and installed according to the highest international quality standards. Anyone who is interested in this can email PVCC.certification@dewa.gov.ae for more information or to register.
DEWA’s enrolment scheme ensures that systems connected to DEWA’s grid have been designed and installed by skilled and experienced professionals, to guarantee high levels of safety, security, and compliance with required technical standards. It also ensures that only solar-photovoltaic-qualified professionals work on solar panels, to ensure the protection and safety of the public and DEWA’s grid. Certification as a solar photovoltaic expert by DEWA requires attending a training programme and passing a test.
Eligible photovoltaic equipment
DEWA has invited manufacturers of solar power equipment to register their products as eligible for DEWA's Shams Dubai. Eligibility criteria are described in the standards for the Distributed Renewable Resources Generation (DRRG) programme for connection to DEWA’s power grid, which sets out the requirements for solar photovoltaic modules, inverters, and interface protection systems, among other tools. DEWA will continuously review and update the standards to keep requirements updated on the latest available technology. Customers who are interested in installing solar photovoltaic systems can learn about the details of the initiative, and approved equipment, a list of consultants and contractors accredited by DEWA to install solar power systems on www.dewa.gov.ae/Shamsdubai