Sustainable
development, in its comprehensive sense, contributes to improving the quality
of life at various levels. It encourages the rational and responsible use of
natural resources, striking a balance between the general requirements of
development and the sustainability of the ecosystem. A focus on sustainability
also drives social development, including job creation. Adopting green
practices also advances several economic sectors, particularly traditional,
renewable, and clean energy sectors. Sustainability is underpinned by a number
of pillars that are essential drivers for all types of development.
With
its emphasis on boosting alternative and renewable energy sectors, Dubai
continuously explores innovative forward-looking strategies and initiatives to
promote the rational use of natural resources and create more solutions that
replace traditional energy sources in a manner that supports the Emirate’s
sustainable development and bolsters its local and regional position as a role
model for sustainable development. This has paved the way for Dubai to set
forth an ingenious sustainability vision to conserve natural resources by
launching a series of leading initiatives. In its endeavour to achieve these
objectives, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is inspired by the
vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President
and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to achieve the sustainable
development, promote the welfare and happiness of citizens and residents, and
shape a sustainable future for generations to come.
DEWA
provides Dubai with electricity and water services and continuously enhances
the transmission and distribution networks by adopting global best practices
and the latest innovative technologies. Through this role, DEWA supports the
national efforts to achieve the vision of the country’s wise leadership by
launching a variety of green initiatives and distinguished energy projects.
These include DEWA’s three flagship initiatives, which support the Smart Dubai
initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform
Dubai into the smartest city in the world in 3 years through 100 initiatives
and 1,000 smart services that enhance the quality of life in Dubai and achieve
its sustainable development.
DEWA’s
three initiatives are: Shams Dubai to encourage household and building owners
to install photovoltaic (PV) panels on rooftops to generate solar power, Smart
Applications and Meters, which includes using smart applications to speed service
connection and improve response times, and the Green Charger to build the
infrastructure and charging stations for electric vehicles in the Emirate.
"Our
objective in the transition to become the smartest city in the world is to
achieve the happiness of society and provide instant and seamless smart
services anytime, anywhere. Dubai has all the elements to reach top positions
globally and has become a leading global hub for business, finance, tourism,
green economy and sustainability. The smart grid will contribute to the
infrastructure by connecting renewable sources of energy and promoting
environmental initiatives supported by qualified staff thus building a
sustainable future for Dubai. The strategic objectives of these initiatives
support the long-term Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative,
launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to establish the
UAE as one of the global leaders in this area, and a global hub for exporting
and re-exporting green products and technologies, while maintaining a
sustainable environment that supports economic growth in the long run. The
initiative includes a range of programmes and policies in energy, agriculture,
investment, and sustainable transport, in addition to new environmental and
construction policies to raise the quality of life in the UAE," said Saeed
Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA.
"DEWA’s
first initiative, Shams Dubai, encourages household and building owners to
produce electricity from solar power and enables them to contribute to
achieving Dubai’s vision by producing their energy needs using PV panels on
rooftops, and connecting them to DEWA’s grid. The electricity is used on site
and the surplus is exported to DEWA’s network. This pioneering step reaffirms
Dubai’s leadership in solar energy as a safe and clean renewable energy source.
It helps decrease dependence on the dwindling traditional hydrocarbon sources
such as oil, gas and coal. Renewable energy guarantees a sustainable future for
generations to come. Shams Dubai supports the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum to make Dubai the smartest city in the world. Launching the
initiative implements council resolution number 46 of 2014, issued by HH Sheikh
Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman
of the Dubai Executive Council, to regulate the connection of solar energy to
Dubai’s power grid," added Al Tayer.
Shams
Dubai consolidates the foundations of Dubai’s environmental sustainability and
contributes to achieving the goals of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy
2030, launched by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy to diversify energy
sources and reduce energy demand by 30% by 2030. The Strategy initially set the
percentage of renewable energy in Dubai’s energy mix to be 1% by 2020 and 5% by
2030. Since then, DEWA has raised the target to 7 % by 2020 and 15 % by 2030.
The
adoption of solar energy will be markedly rewarding to home and business owners
by reducing their electricity bills. Even though installing the PV system
requires initial investment, the electricity bill will be notably lower
throughout the PV system’s lifecycle, which could extend to 25 years or more
with regular maintenance. Other considerable benefits include boosting the property’s
market value, curbing, and even eliminating, the carbon footprint, supporting
Dubai’s economy and ensuring a sustainable future for the Emirate by allowing
solar energy to be produced locally.
The
solar panel industry has evolved over time, due to their increasing popularity
and adoption rates worldwide and the continued international efforts to provide
innovative, efficient and cost-effective technologies in this field.
Undoubtedly, this has contributed to lowering the costs associated with solar
panels, encouraging more households and businesses to benefit from this
sustainable technology. Several other factors also drive the use of solar
panels. These include the direction of the rooftop, shadow levels, the rooftop
itself, and the equipment size and type. DEWA recommends its customers to
consider the advice of one of its certified consultants or contractors to
assess the standards for installing a solar power system and obtain proper
guidance on the best possible solutions that befit the specific case of each
customer’s place of living or work.
To
ensure the highest safety levels and adopt the best international standards
across all its business activities, DEWA has developed a set of rules and
regulations that govern the installation of photovoltaic systems. It has
introduced a number of guidelines to guarantee the use of the safest, most
reliable equipment. DEWA also provides its customers with the ability to
benefit from the expertise of its accredited consultants and contractors,
which, in turn, boosts safety standards and helps customers to make informed
decisions in purchasing the proper equipment and installing and maintaining the
solar energy system.
Solar
energy experts expect Shams Dubai to be widely received in Dubai and that it
gets a lot of support from public and private organisations for its financial
savings and for its role in reducing the carbon footprint.
Shams
Dubai supports the UAE’s national outlook, the vision of its wise leadership,
and the increasing desire of Dubai residents to scale down their carbon
footprint and reduce carbon dioxide emissions resulting from power use. These
efforts support Dubai’s endeavour to create a healthy, safe and sustainable
environment for present and future generations. –End-
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