Dubai, UAE, April 2017 – HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the stand of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) at the 5th Dubai International Government Achievements Exhibition (DIGAE). HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed the latest developments in clean energy projects, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is the largest single-site solar project in the world. The 200 megawatt (MW) second phase of the solar park was inaugurated by on 20 March 2017.

DEWA’s projects that support the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan includes the first hydroelectric power station in the GC, the 250MW power station will be completed within five years. Other projects include installing photovoltaic panels on the rooftops of 640 villas to produce electricity from solar power.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park will produce 1,000 MW by 2020 and 5,000 MW by 2030, with total investments of AED 50 bn. Upon completion, the solar park will offset over 6.5 million tons of carbon emissions annually. This is part of DEWA’s efforts to achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to provide 7 per cent of Dubai's total power output from clean energy sources by 2020, 25 per cent by 2030, and 75 per cent by 2050.

At DIGAE, DEWA also showcases the Hassyan clean coal power plant, which adopts the latest technologies and is fully-compliant with best international standards. DEWA is also highlighting its three smart initiatives to support the smart Dubai initiative. These include connecting solar energy to houses and buildings through the Shams Dubai initiative, smart applications through smart meters and grids, and building the infrastructure and electric vehicle charging stations through the green charger initiative. DEWA is increasing the number of charging stations in Dubai to 200 in the second phase of the project.

DEWA is also showing a model of its new headquarters called Al Sheraa (sail in Arabic). The building is being constructed at the Heritage Village in Al Jaddaf, Dubai. After installing its photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, it will be the tallest, largest, and smartest government net Zero Energy Building (ZEB) in the world. DEWA is also showing a model of its 3D printing lab which is being constructed at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. DEWA has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Electric (GE) to collaborate on 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

DEWA’s stand also includes key projects of the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia), under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. In cooperation with DEWA, Suqia’s R&D projects include reverse osmosis of sea water and a photovoltaic desalination plant, in addition to water purification using solar technology. The stand also highlights the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award, worth USD1 million to find sustainable solutions to help address water shortages around the world.