Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) | DEWA showcases its globally leading projects at World Utilities Congress 2024

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has showcased its globally leading projects at the World Utilities Congress, hosted by the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) in Abu Dhabi from 16 to 18 September 2024. As a Supporting Sponsor of the event, DEWA highlighted its relentless efforts to advance a resilient, carbon-neutral energy and water sector. This aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aims to achieve 100% clean energy production capacity by 2050. DEWA’s projects include:

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which DEWA is implementing, is the largest single-site solar park in the world, using the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. By 2030, it will have a production capacity of over 5,000 megawatts (MW) using photovoltaic panels and concentrated solar power (CSP), with total investments of 50 AED billion. When completed, the solar park will reduce carbon emissions by more than 6.5 million tonnes annually.

The 950MW fourth phase of the solar park is the world’s largest investment project combining Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and photovoltaic solar power, with investments totalling AED15.8 billion based on the IPP model. It uses three hybrid technologies to produce clean energy: 600MW from a parabolic basin complex (three units of 200MW each), 100MW from a solar power tower (based on Molten Salt technology), and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels.  It features the world’s tallest solar power tower at 263.126 metre.

Green Hydrogen Project

DEWA’s Green Hydrogen project is the first project of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa to produce hydrogen using solar energy, store it, and convert it back into electrical energy, among other uses. The project produces 20 kilogrammes of hydrogen per hour, with the hydrogen storage tank capable of storing up to 240 kilogrammes. The plant utilises a hydrogen gas motor of about 300 kilowatts of electrical energy capacity. The project has been designed and built to accommodate future applications and test platforms for various uses of hydrogen.

Smart Grid

DEWA has developed a smart grid infrastructure, which provides many environmental and economic benefits. These grids improve the efficiency of energy transmission and distribution, reduce losses, and improve electrical load management. Smart grids also support the integration of renewable energy sources into the electrical grid, which enhances the sustainability of Dubai's energy system. The seamless, swift, and effective operation of the smart grid has enabled DEWA to achieve competitive results that surpass prominent European and American companies in terms of efficiency and reliability. DEWA has set unprecedented global standards in the energy and water sectors and has come in the top position globally in more than 10 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in its areas of work, according to a study conducted last year by a specialised international consultant. DEWA has recorded the lowest electricity Customer Minutes Lost (CML) worldwide of 1.06 minutes compared to around 15 minutes recorded by leading utility companies in the European Union. DEWA has also reduced losses in electricity transmission and distribution networks to 2.0% and water network losses to 4.6%, one of the lowest worldwide.

EV Green Charger Initiative

In 2014, DEWA launched the Green Charger Initiative for electric vehicles to create an infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations to enhance green mobility and contribute to making Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world. The initiative has played a significant role in expediting the development of electric charging station infrastructure across the Emirate, resulting in a network of over 700 charging stations in collaboration with stakeholders. This includes around 400 Green Charging Stations operated by DEWA. DEWA allows all customers, including unregistered one, to use the Guest mode to charge their EVs.

Research and Development (R&D) Centre

DEWA’s Research and Development (R&D) Centre enhances Dubai’s position as a global hub for research and development in solar power, smart grids, energy efficiency, and capacity building in these sectors. The centre published 71 Scopus-indexed scientific and research papers in 2023 in high impact peer-reviewed journals, and international scientific conferences. This brings the total number of scientific papers published by the Centre to 218 by the end of last year. Additionally, DEWA R&D Centre has filed 41 patent applications to protect DEWA’s intellectual property.  To  date, 9 patents have been granted .The papers and patents cover various topics, including solar energy, water, energy efficiency, smart grid integration, space, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.

Sustainability and Innovation Centre

DEWA's Sustainability and Innovation Centre is a global incubator for innovation in various fields of clean and renewable energy. It also provides a unique educational environment by organising programmes and hosting activities throughout the year, building strategic partnerships with major local and international organisations and universities, as well as enhancing awareness on sustainability. The Sustainability and Innovation Centre provides visitors with a unique experience to explore the latest innovations in sustainability and clean energy technologies. Visitors can watch innovative drone and hologram shows. Using Metaverse technology, the Centre provides a unique experience that allows visitors to go on a virtual tour of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.