The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) discussed key projects and strategies in its initiative to embrace renewable and clean energy at the World Government Summit held in Dubai last month.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and chief executive of Dewa took part in a discussion panel on the future of energy in the world. Dewa showcased models of its key projects including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Participants at the summit were given the opportunity to review samples of photovoltaic solar panels Dewa displayed at the venue in Madinat Jumeirah.

Highlighting that the UAE attached great importance to diversifying the energy mix, Al Tayer said: “The UAE’s green vision recognises that renewable energy contributes to achieving a balance between development and environment to ensure a clean, healthy and safe environment for generations to come.”

A focal point at Dewa’s showcase was the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide 7 per cent of Dubai’s energy from clean sources by 2020, 25 per cent by 2030 and 75 per cent by 2050.

Dewa also reviewed its efforts to achieve Sheikh Mohammed’s vision to make Dubai a global hub for clean energy and a green economy, and enable Dubai city to have the lowest carbon footprint in the world. The company shared its experience in increasing use of renewable energy. This included the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is the largest single-site solar energy project in the world, based on the independent power producer model. The solar park will produce 1,000 MW by 2020 and 5,000 MW by 2030 with a total investment of Dh50 billion. “It will help achieve a reduction of approximately 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, which supports the Dubai Government’s green initiatives and programmes,” said Al Tayer.

Also showcased was Dewa’s Shams Dubai initiative, which encourages building owners to install photovoltaic panels on rooftops to generate solar power. Dubai aims to install solar panels on the roofs of all buildings in Dubai by 2030.

The World Government Summit brought together government officials, thought leaders, policy makers, and private sector leaders to discuss the best ways to develop the future of government, based on the latest developments and future trends.

Dewa was the Sustainable Energy Partner of the summit.

Meanwhile, Dewa signed an MoU with Microsoft aimed at promoting cooperation between the two sides in exchanging knowledge and expertise, developing solutions and applications and enhancing innovation across the UAE and the GCC.

Signing the MoU at the summit were Al Tayer and Samer Abu Ltaif, general Manager, Microsoft Gulf.