Renewable and clean energy solutions and technologies are the top priorities of the 19th Water, Energy and Environment, Technology Exhibition (WETEX) 2017, organized by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) from 23 to 25 October. The exhibition, held under the directive of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Chairman of DEWA, to achieve Dubai’s vision of building a sustainable future for the Emirate. WETEX, the largest exhibition of its kind in the region, coincides with the second Dubai Solar Show, which highlights the latest innovations in the solar sector, showcases the region’s largest solar projects and provides a unique platform for building partnerships with all government and private sectors to develop innovative energy solutions.
The two exhibitions will highlight DEWA’s Shams Dubai initiative, in support of the Smart Dubai Initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to make Dubai the world’s smartest and most successful city by encouraging homeowners to install photovoltaic (PV) panels connected to DEWA’s network on the roofs of their buildings to produce electricity. Such initiatives will increase reliance on clean energy and the buildings’ share in the energy mix, as well as engage the public in reducing the carbon footprint in Dubai.
“WETEX 2017 and the second Dubai Solar Show are ideal platforms to showcase the latest developments, solutions and technologies in the field of renewable and clean energy. Shams Dubai contributes to the establishment of a sustainable energy model that promotes Dubai’s economic growth without harming the environment or its resources. It supports the long term national initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, under the theme ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development’, to build a green economy in the UAE, which contributes towards the optimal implementation of the UAE Vision 2021,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and Founder and Chairman of WETEX.
“Solar energy is one of the most preferred energy sources in the Middle East. Due to the region’s unique geographic location around the solar belt, it receives a large amount of solar radiation. The UAE, under the directives of our wise leadership, has been gearing up to say goodbye to the last drop of oil by investing in energy production projects by using different solar technologies. DEWA is therefore keen to encourage research and development in this area to promote energy security and sustainability as the most important forms of safe, unlimited energy. It is a source that does not cause any carbon emissions, which makes it healthy and environmentally friendly. This form of energy reduces our dependence on traditional non-renewable sources of energy such as gas, oil, and coal,” added Al Tayer.
“DEWA invests in innovation in the fields of clean and renewable energy technologies. In the words of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: ‘Every investment in the development of clean energy sources is at the same time an investment to protect the environment for future generations.’ Shams Dubai is a key part of the Dubai Clean Energy 2050, which aims to transform the Emirate into a global centre for clean energy and green economy and increase clean energy in Dubai to 75% by 2050,” added Al Tayer.
Al Tayer praised the efforts of institutions and individuals who have participated in the Shams Dubai initiative and have already installed photovoltaic panels on 433 buildings with a total capacity of 14.6 megawatts (MW). The number of panels is expected to double in the future to eventually cover all buildings in the Emirate by 2030. Requests to connect solar energy, with a total capacity of 170MW, have been submitted to DEWA. This clean energy capacity is enough to meet the demands of 30,000 homes, which is equivalent to a decrease of approximately 150,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, equivalent to planting 170,000 new trees annually.
As for the installation of solar energy systems in the buildings under Shams Dubai initiative, Al Tayer said, “The first step for the customer is to consult a DEWA accredited consultant or contractor for feasibility and to propose the best solutions appropriate to the location. After that, the consultant or contractor should obtain the necessary approvals from DEWA, which include a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to install the solar system and connect it to DEWA’s network, as well as to obtain an approval of the solar system design, ensuring that it meets all the requirements. After obtaining all the required approvals, the consultant or contractor shall carry out the technical works on the site. Upon completing the installation, he should submit a notice to DEWA to conduct a technical inspection of the site, install a meter to understand the generation pattern, and complete the connection with the DEWA’s network. Once completed, electricity production will start from the solar system unit.”
DEWA has recently launched the ‘Shams Dubai Energy Calculator’ on its website to support customers’ decision to install solar panels on rooftops by providing detailed comparisons and additional information with ease through the use of innovative tools. Customers wishing to access the Shams Dubai Energy Calculator can visit DEWA website http://www.dewa.gov.ae/shamscalc as part of DEWA’s Smart Initiatives. DEWA also provides all information and conditions required for the installation of solar panels on building, in addition to the names of contractors and consultants accredited for the installation of photovoltaic systems.