Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organised 17 innovative panel discussions for the 4th Dubai Solar Show, with a set of government officials, and experts and specialists from major local and international solar power companies. DSS is held in conjunction with the 21st Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2019) and the sixth World Green Economy Summit (WGES), under the umbrella of the sixth Green Week. WETEX was held under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of DEWA, from 21-23 October 2019, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The discussion sessions focused on the most important innovations related to solar power, maintenance, innovation, and research and development (R&D). They also focused on Energy Performance Contracting, accelerating global solar deployment to generate electricity, carbon emissions reduction in transport by switching to electric and green hydrogen-based vehicles, as well as using solar power to generate fresh water in the region. The sessions also focused on major achievements of the Shams Dubai initiative that DEWA has launched to support Smart Dubai. Shams Dubai enables building owners to install photovoltaic panels on rooftops to generate electricity and connect them to DEWA’s grid.
“In Dubai, we are working to achieve the goals of the Eight Principles of Governance and the 50 Year Charter launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which include improving quality of life, developing Dubai’s society, and ensuring a bright future for generations to come. Dubai is a pioneer in the transition to a green economy through two objectives. The first is to reduce energy and water demand by 30% by 2030, by promoting efficiency and conservation programmes. The other is improving the supply side by diversifying the energy mix, especially clean energy, increasing efficiency, and reducing electricity and water network losses,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Founder and Chairman of WETEX.
“Dubai Solar Show is becoming increasingly important in light of the increasing use of solar power and increasing awareness about the importance of relying on it to tackle climate change. Solar Power is increasingly playing a major role in successful bids, as is purchasing renewable energy through Purchase Power Agreements. There is also significant reduction in the costs of electricity generation and solar powered water desalination. There are also remarkable developments in photovoltaic panel performance. Solar power is ideal for the Middle East and North Africa, offering countries in this region the opportunity to decarbonise their power generation whilst achieving ever lower energy prices. Dubai plays a major role in gathering thousands of innovators, exhibitors, participants, officials, and decision makers from the UAE, the region and the world to discuss ways to expand renewable energy businesses and projects. WETEX, the Dubai Solar Show, and the 6th World Green Economy Summit are all happening at the same time, which is a great opportunity to exchange ideas, and identify regional and world market demand. This also provides investors the opportunity to build business relationships and expand business opportunities,” he added.