HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has received HE José Eugenio Salarich, Ambassador of Spain to the UAE. Salarich led a delegation of the largest Spanish companies. The delegation included Eric Robina, Economic and Commercial Adviser to the Spanish Embassy in the UAE. The visit enhanced relations and cooperation, and exchanged skills.
The Spanish delegation included Solana Cruz, Business Development Manager of the UAE and Oman at Ibanjua, Jesús Sancho, Managing Director for the Middle East at Acciona, Marcus Gallego, Director of MENA Business Development at Acciona, David De Lara Chousa, International Business Development at ELECNOR, Georgio Akiki, Energy Specialist at SENR, and Adrian López, Managing Director TSK Middle East. Waleed Salman, Executive Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at DEWA, also attended. Al Tayer welcomed the Spanish ambassador, noting the strong relations between the two parties that has proven successful in many fields. Al Tayer also noted DEWA’s commitment towards collaborating with Spanish companies, to enhance partnerships in the field of clean energy.
Al Tayer highlighted DEWA’s most important development projects and strategic initiatives, in adherence with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Al Tayer also talked about the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is managed by DEWA and is one of the largest single-site strategic renewable energy projects in the world, with a total investment worth AED 50 billion. The solar park is based on the independent power producer (IPP) model, with a planned total capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW) by 2020 and 5,000MW by 2030. Al Tayer noted that the 13MW first phase became operational in 2013. The 200MW second phase of the Solar Park will be operational by 2017, based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. Dubai has set a world record by obtaining the lowest price globally, at USD 5.62 cents per kilowatt (kW). The Masdar-led consortium as selected bidder for the 800MW third phase of the solar park. The consortium bid the lowest cost of electricity. The 800MW third phase will be operational by 2020. The park will eventually generate 5,000MW by 2030, which will make up 25% of Dubai’s total power output. DEWA intends to build the largest Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project in the world, using the IPP model. DEWA has released a tender for leading international CSP consultants to submit their proposals for advisory services for the 200MW first project of the CSP plant. It will be operational by April 2021. DEWA will generate 1,000MW using this technology by 2030 in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar park. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park includes a Creativity & Innovation Centre that will be equipped with the latest renewable and clean technologies to sharpen national capabilities, boost the competitiveness of business, develop new renewable energy technologies, support the overall regional advancement of the industry, and raise social awareness about renewable and sustainable energy.
The Research and Development Centre will conduct studies for industrial and social requirements, scientific research, link researchers, academics and developers, and devise strategies for innovative and productive ideas. It has two testing facilities, one for photovoltaic solar testing and the other CSP. The centre is currently testing 30 modules of photovoltaic panels from global specialist manufacturers to check the properties, analyse the results, and use them in research and development. It collaborates with international organisations on soiling and dust mitigation on photovoltaic equipment. The tests are currently being performed to set a baseline for the development of specifications, tests, and standards for photovoltaic equipment. Al Tayer noted that DEWA has achieved a number of international accomplishments, surpassing major European and American companies in different areas. For example, losses in power transmission and distribution networks was reduced to 3.3%, compared to 6-7% in Europe and the USA. Water network losses decreased to 8.2%, compared to 15% in North America. DEWA’s results are among the best internationally for customer minutes lost per year. DEWA’s figures reached 3.87 minutes, compared to 15 minutes recorded by leading utilities in the European Union. The visiting delegation commended DEWA’s efforts, and expressed interest in contributing towards DEWA’s ongoing projects in the fields of clean energy. The Spanish delegation also expressed interest in exchanging skills, information, and techniques, in efforts to achieve the sustainable growth of the Emirate.