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World Water Day, which is annually celebrated all around the world on 22nd March, is an ideal opportunity to raise awareness about water issues and challenges, and to inspire the public to make a difference and manage water resources sustainably. This is especially important now, in light of the worsening global water security situation and steady population growth. Today, over 663 million people live without water supplies close to their homes. They either spend countless hours or travel long distances to get water, or even face the negative health impacts of using contaminated water.
Water is one of the most basic needs of humanity. It is also essential for creating jobs and supporting economic, social and environmental development. World Water Day 2018 draws attention to the importance of finding sustainable solutions, by depending on the environment and nature, in line with this year's theme ‘Nature for Water’. Through environmental solutions, many challenges can be solved including: planting new trees, use of wetlands, using clean and renewable energy in desalination and water production, and separating electricity production from water, among others.
At Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), our plans and strategies are inspired by the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to support comprehensive sustainable development in its economic, environmental, and social aspects, through ambitious initiatives and development projects. This supports the UAE Centennial 2071, which is a long-term government plan to prepare the UAE and young Emiratis for the future, as well as the UAE Vision 2021, to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world by 2021, and the Dubai Plan 2021, to secure a sustainable future and a better tomorrow for future generations.
By 2030 DEWA intends to have 100% of its desalinated water production to come from a mix of clean energy that uses both renewable energy and waste heat. This will allow Dubai to exceed global targets to use clean energy to desalinate water. DEWA adopts a clear strategy to ensure that by 2030, 100% of desalinated water will be produced by a mix of clean energy that uses both renewable energy and waste heat. DEWA’s production capacity is expected to reach 305 million gallons of desalinated water per day by 2030. This means reverse osmosis will produce 41% compared to its current share of 5%. This means that we will be able to produce 750 million gallons of desalinated water per day by 2030, compared to our current capacity of 470 million gallons per day. The increase in operational efficiency created by decoupling electricity generation and water desalination will lead to savings of up to AED 13 billion by 2030, and reduce 43 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030.
We encourage community members to adopt sustainable lifestyles by reducing water consumption, thereby preserving natural resources and protecting the environment. DEWA provides tips and advice to help consumers rationalise consumption, through its website and smart application.
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