DEWA participates in Sharjah's Discovery: Annual Astronomy Event

Dubai, UAE, 12 November 2015: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has participated in the Discovery: Annual Astronomy Event organised by Sharjah Museums, with the participation of several government and private organisations in the UAE, and a host of respected experts. DEWA showcased its projects and broad experience in clean and renewable energy, and highlighted its most important pioneering projects in the power sector.

During the event, DEWA showcased its projects and initiatives, with which it aims to achieve the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, launched by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, to reduce energy demand by 30% by 2030 and diversify the energy mix to include 71% from natural gas, 7% from nuclear energy, 7% from clean coal, and 15% from solar energy.

As part of the event, DEWA also gave a presentation on its renewable energy projects, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The project, which is based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, is one of the biggest, strategic projects in renewable energy, in the world. The first stage of the project began generating 13 megawatts in October 2013. The capacity of the second stage will be 200 megawatts by 2017. The park will raise the share of solar energy in Dubai, with the production capacity set to be 3,000 megawatts in 2030, when all stages have been completed.

DEWA officials also gave visitors to the exhibition the latest updates about DEWA’s initiatives to encourage the use of clean energy in Dubai. These initiatives include:

Shams Dubai encourages building owners to install solar PV panels to generate electricity, to promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources.

Smart Applications and Meters improves response times, speeds up connections, provides instant re-connection of electricity, and rationalises its use through smart meters to enhance the happiness and well-being of citizens and residents, and to support resources sustainability.

Green Charger establishes the infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations. DEWA has already completed its first phase and built 16 Green Charger stations, and will install a further 84 by the end of 2015, for a total of 100 by the end of the year.

The exhibition offered an interactive environment, including a telescope gallery, the first mobile astronomy observatory in the Arab region, ancient astronomical manuscripts, a maritime navigation exhibition, and several workshops and scientific lectures.