DUBAL sponsors DGEF 2013, supports focus on clean energy and sustainability

By supporting the Dubai Global Energy Forum, DGEF, 2013 as a Strategic Sponsor, Dubai Aluminium, DUBAL, the wholly state-owned corporation that operates a one million metric tonne per annum primary aluminium smelter, making it one of the world's largest single-site smelters and the largest using pre-bake anode technology, clearly demonstrated its corporate backing of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy, DIES, 2030, which aims to secure a sustainable supply of energy and enhance demand efficiency of water, power and fuel in the Emirate. Indeed, the theme of DFEG 2013, “Clean energy for sustainable development” – resonated not only with the objectives of DIES 2030, but also with the energy-conscious culture nurtured at DUBAL. 

Held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 15 to 17 April 2013 under the patronage of H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai), DGEF 2013 was the second such meeting; and the first of its kind dedicated to clean energy related issues in Dubai. Global energy experts, strategists and decision-influences gathered for the three-day period to exchange knowledge, experience and perspectives on the role of clean energy in sustainability, prompting discussions and analyses that will hopefully lead to real and sustained improvements in the generation and usage of power. 

Attesting to DUBAL’s focus on energy optimisation, Tayeb Al Awadhi (Vice President: Power and Desalination) participated in a DGEF 2013 panel discussion on Energy Efficiency for Demand Management on 17 April 2013. Al Awadhi presented two initiatives implemented recently within the DUBAL Power and Desalination Plants to illustrate the company’s innovative approach to energy optimisation, namely the retrofitment of more modern, energy-efficient components in the original brine re-circulation and seawater supply pumps installed at the DUBAL Desalination Plant; and the installation of an absorption chiller to replace electrically-driven air-conditioning units. The latter project is the first installation of its kind in a power plant in the UAE.

A certificate of appreciation and trophy were presented to DUBAL at the closing of the forum, in recognition of the corporation’s support. Abdulla Kalban (President & CEO), who received the award, said “DUBAL’s sponsorship of DGEF 2013 reflected our corporate commitment to supporting the search for real and sustainable energy solutions for our country, and the world; and our determination to contribute to the fulfilment of DIES 2030 – both through demand abatement and collaboratively developing renewable energy options. The latter has, to date, included a AED 20 million investment in Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park and our participation in a feasibility study relating to the establishment of clean coal-fired power stations in the UAE.”