DEWA announces Shams Dubai to regulate generation of solar energy in buildings and connection to its grid

Government

DEWA announces Shams Dubai to regulate generation of solar energy in buildings and connection to its grid

Dubai, UAE, 15 March 2015: HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced today in a press conference held at Grand Hyatt hotel in Dubai, the start of DEWAs first smart initiative, Shams Dubai, to regulate the generation of solar energy in buildings and their connection to DEWAs grid. The move supports the Smart Dubai initiative and the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world in three years through 100 initiatives and 1,000 smart services that enhance the quality of life in the Emirate and achieve its sustainable development.

The press conference was attended by HE Ahmed Bin Byat, Member of the Higher Committee to transform Dubai into a Smart City, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Smart Dubai initiative, Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, Assistant Director-General of the Executive Office, Member of the Smart Dubai Executive Committee and Team Leader of the Smart City Taskforce, HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Midfa, Chairman of the Middle East Solar Industry Association, senior officials from the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, DEWAs Executive Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, corporate representatives and members of the press.

Shams Dubai encourages tenants and building owners to install photovoltaic solar panels to generate electricity. DEWA will connect the system to its network. The electricity will be used onsite and the surplus is exported to DEWAs grid. This encourages the use of renewable energy, increases its share in electricity production and diversifies the energy mix.

To support the Smart Dubai initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest city on earth, and make life easier through the efficient, integrated, seamless and sustainable use of resources, we today have begun the implementation phase of the first smart initiative, Shams Dubai. This is one of three initiatives we launched last year to significantly improve the services provided to partners and customers, and make Dubai the smartest city in the world during the next three years. This will enable the citys facilities and services to be managed using smart and connected systems that enhance living standards for all of Dubais residents and visitors, said Al Tayer.

Shams Dubai supports the Green Economy for Sustainable Development economic initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and implements Council Resolution Number 46 of 2014, issued by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, to enable customers to install photovoltaic panels to generate electricity from solar power in buildings, and connect them to DEWAs grid. This smart initiative also supports the Dubai Plan 2021 and the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, to develop sustainable energy projects in Dubai, by increasing the targets for renewable energy in the Emirates energy mix to 7% by 2020 and 15% by 2030. DEWA supports the vision of our wise leadership, which outlines the roadmap for our work and initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE and Dubai. We are fully-prepared to effectively and positively contribute to building Smart Dubai and add to the happiness of citizens and residents, he added.

Last week, we announced the first project under the first smart initiative, in collaboration with Dubai Airports, to supply Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali with solar energy. The first step in implementing the initiative was installing photovoltaic panels to produce 30kW of electricity there. Council resolution number 46 encourages the use of renewable energy and increases its share in power generation. This will in turn diversify Dubais energy mix. It is a step forward on the road to sustainability.

The resolution is an advance in establishing a culture of sustainability by encouraging customers to produce clean power and connect it to DEWAs grid. Customers can use the electricity they generate using photovoltaic panels. An offset between exported and imported electricity units is conducted and the customer account is settled based on this offset, added Al Tayer.

Our aim is to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world and make society happier by providing smart, instant, and seamless services around the clock. Dubai has all the capabilities to reach pole position internationally, through creative and technological innovation, which is one of the fundamental enablers to ensure a stimulating, creative, and sustainable environment. We are confident that Shams Dubai will regulate the generation of solar energy in buildings and their connection to DEWAs grid. It should positively benefit Dubai and has the full support of government and private organisations. This also applies to DEWAs second initiative to install smart meters and networks that contribute to fast-service connection, fast response, and rationalise energy use, and also to our third initiative to establish the infrastructure to build 100 electric vehicle charging stations, which we call Green Charger, this year, concluded Al Tayer.

This initiative launched by DEWA, the strategic partners of Smart Dubai initiative, brings us one step closer towards achieving the leading initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to make Dubai the smartest city in the world. We are determined to achieve this goal through a number of smart initiatives and programmes, in the near future, in collaboration with our strategic partners in different sectors and fields, said Dr. Bin Bishr.