Under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is organising the 25th Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show (DSS) 2023 from 15 to 17 November 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Under the theme ‘At the forefront of sustainability,’ the current edition of WETEX & DSS has attracted around 2,600 companies from 62 countries. The exhibition is spread over 78,000 square metres and includes 24 international pavilions.

DEWA is showcasing its key projects, initiatives, and digital services at its stands at WETEX & DSS. Some of the most prominent projects being featured include the following:

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is the largest single-site solar park in the world based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. The solar park’s current capacity is 2,627 megawatts (MW) with 2,033MW under construction. Its production capacity will reach 4,660MW by 2026 using the latest technologies. By 2030, the solar park’s capacity will reach 5,000MW, which will contribute towards reducing more than 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The solar park plays a crucial role in achieving the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, to provide 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.

Green Hydrogen Project

DEWA has implemented a pilot Green Hydrogen Project at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The project is the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to produce green hydrogen using solar energy, storing it, and converting it back into electrical energy, among other uses. The plant produces about 400 kilograms of green hydrogen per day, and the hydrogen gas tank can store up to 12 hours of hydrogen produced when using solar energy. The plant uses Hydrogen through a combined heat and power unit of about 300 kilowatts of electrical energy.

Hassyan SWRO IWP Project

This project is the world’s largest of its kind in reverse osmosis desalination of seawater using solar energy and the first project for DEWA based on the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model. The project will have a production capacity of 180 million gallons of desalinated water per day using reverse osmosis technology. The total investments for the project amount to AED 3.357 billion (US$ 914 million).

DEWA’s Space-D programme

DEWA’s space programme (Space-D) aims to enhance the operations, maintenance, and planning of its networks using nanosatellite technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and remote sensing technologies. The programme also focuses on training Emirati professionals to utilise space technologies for electricity and water networks. It further seeks to capitalise on technologies such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and blockchain. As a ground-breaking initiative, DEWA has successfully launched two nanosatellites, DEWA SAT-1 and DEWA SAT-2, making it the first utility worldwide to utilise nanosatellites for improving the maintenance and planning of electricity and water networks.

Pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta

The pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant that DEWA is implementing in Hatta, has a planned capacity of 250 megawatts (MW), a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours and a lifespan of up to 80 years. The project is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region, with investments up to AED 1.421 billion.

Smart Grid

Among the key success factors of smart cities are the seamlessness and availability of round-the-clock integrated and connected services. The Smart Grid that DEWA is implementing, with total investments of AED 7 billion, is one of the tools to achieve this goal. This is provided by the smart grid, which ensures two-way communication between the utility and its customers, allows for monitoring the various components of the power and water networks, and provides advanced features that include automated decision-making capabilities and interoperability across the entire electricity and water network to ensure a smooth, fast and efficient operation.

Dubai Mountain Peak

The Dubai Mountain Peak project that DEWA is implementing includes a 5.4-kilometre cable car to transport tourists to the summit of Um Al-Nesoor. At 1,300 metres above sea level, it is the highest natural summit in Dubai. The project is expected to be a major tourist attraction in the UAE. The cable car route passes over the Hatta Dam Lake and the Upper Dam Lake for the hydroelectric power station, as well as through mountains, ending at the summit of Um Al Nesoor mountain.

Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project

When completed, the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project will enable the storage and retrieval of up to 6,000 million imperial gallons of water, making it the largest of its kind in the world. This technology will create a strategic reserve, capable of supplying the Emirate of Dubai with over 50 million gallons of water per day for 90 days during emergencies. Furthermore, it ensures the safety of the stored water, protecting it from external influences.

Innovation Centre

DEWA’s Innovation Centre is a platform for innovations in clean energy technologies that promotes a sustainable energy future in Dubai and internationally. The Centre is an inspiring and educational landmark that attracts tourists and visitors from different age groups, including students, families, businesses and specialists. The Centre offers an orientation tour to introduce its visitors to its key technologies in renewable and clean energy. The Centre’s overarching goal is to foster a generation dedicated to upholding the UAE’s vision of sustainable development across all facets.

Green Charger initiative

DEWA launched the Green Charger initiative in 2014, underpinning Dubai’s ambition to emerge as the world’s smartest and happiest city, and to support green mobility. Since its launch, DEWA has built more than 380 Green Charging stations for electric vehicles and aims to increase the number to 1,000 charging stations by 2025.

Rammas

Rammas, DEWA’s virtual employee, supported by ChatGPT, has contributed to enriching customer experience and enhancing their happiness. This is due to its superior ability to interact with users and better understand their needs and enquiries. DEWA is the first utility service provider in the world and the first government entity in the UAE to utilise ChatGPT technology, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership both locally and globally.

Duroob

Duroob smart app, which works on tablets, enables field maintenance teams, to access electricity and water infrastructure assets anywhere. Users can get instant data on DEWA’s assets, identify their locations through digital maps, as well as aggregate and analyse data from work sites.