DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has achieved a significant milestone by being announced as a winner of the International 30th SolarPACES Technology Innovation Award, held in Rome, Italy, for the innovative technologies implemented at Phase IV of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
The Award was received by His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the Managing Director and CEO of DEWA. This new achievement adds to DEWA’s global accomplishments and leadership in the clean and renewable energy sector.
SolarPACES is a technology collaboration programme under the frame of the International Energy Agency (IEA), operating as an international network of stakeholders within the solar Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) industry since 1977.
The SolarPACES annual conference is considered the world’s leading meeting point on CSP technology (extended to industrial applications and energy storage) for researchers, technology providers, vendors, developers, and operators, playing a pivotal role in advancing global renewable energy initiatives. This includes the annual awards, which recognise and facilitate the sharing of ground-breaking technologies and best practices, driving innovation in CSP, among researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Commenting on the award, Al Tayer said: “We are guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who accepts nothing but the top position in every field."
He added, "Following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, we have adopted the latest clean and renewable energy technologies in the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world. This increases the share of clean and renewable energy sources to achieve the goals of the UAE Net-Zero 2050 Strategy and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, and we have already achieved the interim goals of this strategy in record time. We are proud of this new international recognition, which underlines DEWA’s leadership and excellence."
He furhter said: “The 4th phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which DEWA has implemented, is the largest single-site CSP plant in the world, with investments of up to Dh15.8 billion and a total capacity of 950 MW. This phase utilises three hybrid technologies to generate clean energy: 100 MW from the Solar Central Tower with 15 hours of storage, 600 MW from Parabolic Troughs (three units of 200 MW each) with 12 hours of storage, and 250 MW from Solar PV Panels."
Al Tayer emphasised that through Phase 4, DEWA has achieved world records, as recognised by Guinness World Records, for the tallest solar tower at 263.126 meters and the largest thermal energy storage capacity of 5,907 megawatt-hours, enabling 24-hour solar energy production.
“We continue our journey of excellence and leadership in all areas and across all levels. DEWA already came in the top position globally in more than 12 KPIs in its areas of work, according to a study conducted by specialised international consultants. DEWA's record of prestigious awards reflects its relentless efforts to achieve the top rank in all fields. We are confidently moving towards building a sustainable future, where DEWA has become a global reference in developing and applying the highest standards and practices of excellence and leadership across all its activities and operations,” Al Tayer concluded.