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A delegation of experts who participated in the first Arab Sustainable Development Week, organised by the Environmental Centre for Arab Towns (ECAT) in Dubai, visited the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA’s) Sustainable Building in Al Quoz. During the visit, the delegation was briefed about DEWA’s solar projects and initiatives in sustainability, environmental protection, and rationalisation of electricity and water use. DEWA’s staff also presented its smart initiatives to support the Smart Dubai initiative, to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world. These are Shams Dubai, to connect solar photovoltaic systems on rooftops to DEWA’s grid, Smart applications through Smart Meters and Grids, and the Green Charger initiative to build electric vehicle charging stations.
The delegation visited the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Seih Al Dahal, which is the largest single-site solar park in the world. It has a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030. The delegation was briefed on the solar park’s phases. The 13MW first phase became operational in 2013, the 200MW second phase became operational in March 2017, and the 200MW first stage of the 800MW third phase became operational on 1 May 2018. The second and third stages of the third phase, which have a capacity of 300MW each, will be complete in 2019 and 2020 respectively. DEWA is currently working on the 700MW AED14.2 billion fourth phase, which will feature the world’s tallest solar tower at 260 metres, and will be inaugurated in stages starting from Q4 of 2020.
The delegation also visited DEWA’s Sustainable Building, which is the first sustainable government building in the UAE and the largest government building in the world to receive a Platinum Rating for green buildings from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). It achieved 98 out of 110 points as per the rating criteria for the design set by the US Green Building Council. Recycled materials comprise 36% of the construction material used. The building uses 66% less energy thanks to the additional insulation in its walls and roof and special glass to reduce heat transfer into the building, which helps reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. Highly efficient water-cooled chillers cut down energy use. The building uses low powered LED lights and automatic lighting control systems with occupancy sensors. In addition, renewable energy is available through an on-site 660 kilowatt (kW) solar power plant. The Sustainable Building’s systems help reduce water consumption by 48%. All sewage water is treated by a grey water treatment and sewage treatment plant.
At the end of the visit, the delegation thanked DEWA for the opportunity to learn about its experience at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and the Sustainable Building. The delegation commended DEWA’s efforts in sustainability and its transformation towards renewable energy.
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