Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amity University Dubai to promote the exchange of knowledge, best experiences and practices on renewable energy, smart grids and emerging technologies. This is part of DEWA’s efforts to enhance cooperation with academic institutions.
The MoU was signed by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and Dr Ajit Kumar Nagpal, Chairman and Director General of the Amity University Middle East Initiative. The meeting was attended by Dr Atul Chauhan, Chancellor and Founder of Amity University, Dr Vajahat Hussein, CEO of Amity Middle East, and Dr Ramachandran, Senior Vice President of Amity University. The meeting was also attended by Waleed Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development & Excellence, Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources, and Khawla Al Mehairi, Executive Vice President of Strategy & Government Communications.
“The MoU is a reflection of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to shape the future and employ innovative technologies and solutions. This aims to transform Dubai into a global hub for sustainability and green economy through ambitious clean and renewable energy projects, and promoting sustainable development,” said Al Tayer.
Al Tayer added that priority should be given to research and development (R&D) with a focus on solar power, to meet the objectives of Smart Dubai to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world. This would also support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 (DCES) to make Dubai a global hub for clean energy and green economy by providing 75% Dubai’s energy from clean energy sources by 2050, and achieve the fourth pillar of the DCES to build skills and capabilities through global training programmes in clean energy in cooperation with international organisations and institutes.
The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation between DEWA and Amity University, and exchange knowledge and conduct academic and applied research and studies. This will develop the renewable and alternative energy sector in fields such as energy analysis and planning support; support planning to analyse resources in support of renewable energy generation; and technical, economic and environmental analysis of the alternative future energy scenarios, with consideration of interrelated energy, water and land use issues. The MoU also includes Energy Systems Integration which focuses on grid integration of inverters with related testing and standards, and analysing, modelling, simulation and testing of the effect of smart grid measures on grid performance, and energy storage to support high penetration renewable energy deployment and electric vehicle integration.
The MoU also covers solar photovoltaics by expanding ongoing efforts to help improve the reliability of solar cells and modules including related testing and evaluation. It will also study the soiling and dust impact on performance of photovoltaic systems. The fourth clause of the MoU looks at the energy efficiency: system-wide energy efficiency in electricity generation and use.
The MoU also aims to enhance knowledge share in emerging technologies such as data analytics, robotics and drones, 3D printing, material testing, manufacturing techniques, soiling analysis, and energy efficiency measures in buildings through architectural and construction based design solutions.
The MoU also includes that Amity University will provide support and training for DEWA’s students through scientific specialised programmes with the supervision of both parties. This is aligned to DEWA’s strategy to build the capacity of its Emirati workforce to the highest standards, and empower them with the needed skills and experience to lead the future of energy, water, and sustainable development for Dubai.