Former President of the Seychelles commends DEWA’s efforts to increase clean and renewable energy use

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), received James Michel, Former President of the Republic of Seychelles, who visited DEWA’s stand at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi. Michel commended DEWA’s efforts to increase the use of clean and renewable energy.

Al Tayer welcomed Michel, highlighting the strategic relations between the UAE and the Seychelles, which serve the common interests of the people of both countries.

During the visit, Al Tayer highlighted the efforts of the UAE and Dubai in diversifying energy sources, and DEWA’s projects that support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to diversify energy sources and increase the share of clean energy in Dubai’s energy mix to 7% by 2020, 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2050. One of DEWA’s major projects to achieve the strategy is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is the largest single-site solar park in the world. The solar park will produce 5,000MW by 2030 with a total investment of AED 50 billion. It will reduce 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

At its stand in WFES 2017, DEWA highlights its three smart initiatives that support the Smart Dubai initiative, to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world. DEWA’s initiatives include connecting solar energy to houses and buildings through the Shams Dubai initiative, smart applications through smart meters and grids, and building the infrastructure and electric vehicle charging stations through the Green Charger initiative.

DEWA also highlights its initiatives and projects that support the Comprehensive Hatta Development Plan, which was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. DEWA’s projects include the first hydroelectric power station in the GCC. The power station will be completed within five years and will produce 250MW. Other projects include installing photovoltaic panels on rooftops to produce electricity from solar power and installing smart meters in buildings. These other projects will be completed by the end of 2018. DEWA will also install electric vehicle charging stations in Hatta. These projects will provide around 2,500 job during and after the implantation phases.

DEWA’s stand also presents the key projects of the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia), which is under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. In cooperation with DEWA, Suqia’s R&D projects include reverse osmosis of sea water and a photovoltaic desalination plant, in addition to water purification using solar technology. The stand highlights the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The initiative has allocated USD1 million to finding sustainable solutions to help address water shortages internationally.