Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) | DEWA… a key supporter in making Expo 2020 Dubai an unforgettable experience

As the exclusive and only provider of electricity and water in Dubai, and Official Sustainable Energy Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) played a fundamental role in the success of all stages of hosting the exhibition. This ensured an unforgettable edition of Expo and strengthened the position of the UAE and Dubai as an example to follow in organising global events. It also consolidates the bonds of cooperation between nations to enhance dialogue and peace. This success also underlines the UAE’s approach based on mutual respect, tolerance and benevolence. DEWA’s pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai highlighted its achievements in digital transformation, and its relentless efforts to support Dubai’s efforts to achieve sustainable and comprehensive development.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, expressed his pride at the success of the concerted efforts of all parties in the public and private sectors to implement the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to host the best edition of a world expo in Dubai, and in achieving the themes of Expo 2020 Dubai in promoting sustainability and innovation.

“Despite the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the constructive cooperation has achieved the objectives of Expo 2020 Dubai to provide opportunities for meeting and promoting global partnerships to lay the groundwork for cooperation in the post-pandemic stage. We have worked to harness all our efforts, experiences, and capabilities so that Expo 2020 Dubai achieves the desired success that befits the UAE. We are proud to be a pivotal player in the journey of hosting Expo 2020 Dubai and making it an international platform that contributes to developing innovative solutions to various challenges facing the world. This helps achieve a brighter future for generations to come,” added Al Tayer.

Supporting infrastructure projects

DEWA allocated AED 4.26 billion to supply electricity and water to Expo 2020 Dubai, and support infrastructure projects for electricity and water networks at the exhibition, using the latest smart systems, and supplying the Expo 2020 Dubai with clean energy from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. During this journey of hosting Expo 2020 Dubai, DEWA completed several mega projects and achievements. These include constructing three 132/11 kilovolt (kV) substations with 45 kilometres of high-voltage (132kV) cables. The substations are named Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity after the three sub-themes of Expo 2020 Dubai and cost around AED 420 million. DEWA also built water-transmission networks with pipelines that are 600 and 1,200 mm in diameter, with pumping and distribution stations. With a cost of AED 515 million, these projects increased water-flow rates and ensured an adequate water supply according to the highest international standards of quality and availability.

DEWA’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

Amid widespread recognition of DEWA’s innovative, smart projects and initiatives, DEWA’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai attracted more than a million visitors since its launch on 1 October and until end of March 2022. Visitors commended DEWA’s efforts in sustainability, especially its projects in clean and renewable energy, and its contribution to transforming Dubai into the smartest and happiest city in the world.

Visitors noted the modern design of DEWA’s pavilion, which aligns with its efforts to develop and create rich experiences with added value. This contributes to enhancing the happiness of stakeholders. Moreover, visitors expressed their admiration of the hospitality of DEWA’s staff in the pavilion and volunteers, and their positive response to answering all visitors’ enquiries.

DEWA’s pavilion, in the sustainability area, was visited by many local and international officials from government and private institutions, 74 delegations including high-level delegations from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Brazil and Malaysia, in addition to professors, university students, researchers and those concerned with various fields of renewable and clean energy. The pavilion also received 617 school visits, including more than 17,763 male and female students.

At its pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, DEWA displayed several of its most important projects and initiatives, including the Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world; the Green Hydrogen project, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa to produce hydrogen using solar energy; and Digital DEWA, its arm to make DEWA the first digital utility in the world with autonomous systems for renewable energy and storage, using AI. Projects also included the 250 MW Hatta hydroelectric power plant, and other pioneering projects and initiatives.

Green charger stations

DEWA’s EV Green Charger stations at Expo 2020 Dubai site have provided more than 167,806 kilowatt hours of electricity to the Expo 2020 Dubai visitors with electric vehicles till end of March 2022, with more than 7,086 charging transactions. This helped visitor’s travel approximately 1,006,836 kilometres in eco-friendly vehicles. DEWA installed 19 EV Green Charger at the EXPO202 site, with five stations in each of the Opportunity, Sustainability, and Mobility Pavilions, two stations at the Expo 2020 office, and two stations at ENOC's service station of the future. These EV Green Chargers can charge up to 34 electric vehicles simultaneously at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Full readiness to deal with different emergencies

DEWA proved its full readiness to deal with various emergencies and crises during Expo 2020 Dubai, as it had prepared proactive plans to anticipate and avoid crises. DEWA cooperated with various concerned government authorities using the latest smart systems. These smart systems managed the infrastructure of the electricity and water networks at Expo 2020 Dubai to ensure the highest standards of availability, reliability and efficiency. It stationed qualified staff to deal with emergencies efficiently and competently. DEWA also provided mobile generators connected to the electricity network for emergencies.

The 23rd WETEX and DSS

DEWA organised the 23rd Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show (DSS) under the directives 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 Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, with the theme ‘At the forefront of sustainability.’ WETEX & DSS was held from 5 to 7 October 2021 with the participation of over 1,200 companies from 55 countries, 61 sponsors, and 10 country pavilions. The exhibition attracted 45,506 visitors from around the world. WETEX & DSS is the largest exhibition of its kind in the region and one of the largest specialised exhibitions in the world, visitors learned about the latest technologies, solutions, and innovations in energy, water, sustainability, green technologies, renewable and clean energy, conservation, green buildings, electric vehicles and other vital sectors shown by major companies from the region and around the world. DEWA organised 56 seminars and panel discussions at the exhibition, with the participation of experts and specialists from around the world on sustainability; renewable and clean energy; green hydrogen; reduce carbon emissions, among other pillars.

National and awareness Events

DEWA’s pavilion hosted several national and awareness activities in a cultural and traditional atmosphere. A considerable number of visitors participated in these activities. These include the 50th anniversary of the Union and the middle of Sha’ban (Haq Al Laila). DEWA also held special events such as the Solar Decathlon Middle East organised by DEWA in collaboration with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the US Department of Energy. Moreover, DEWA’s pavilion celebrated key international events, including Earth Hour 2022 and World Energy Day 2022.