DEWA CEO Discusses Sustainability Initiatives With Bahraini Delegation

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), received a delegation from the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) in the Kingdom of Bahrain headed by HE Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed, President of EWA.

The meeting was attended by Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation (Power & Water) at DEWA, Hussain Lootah, Executive Vice President of Transmission (Power), Rashid Bin Humaidan, Executive Vice President of Distribution (Power), Waleed Bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence; Dr. Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources; and Marwan Bin Haidar, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future at DEWA.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer explained DEWA’s key projects, initiatives, and programs to the Bahraini delegation. DEWA, which adopts sustainability as part of its vision, is committed to achieving the vision and directives of the wise leadership of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen the UAE’s global leadership in all areas.

Al Tayer emphasized that DEWA is working to achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of Dubai’s total power production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. The Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park is one of the key projects reflecting DEWA’s efforts to promote sustainability and make Dubai a global hub for clean energy and a green economy. The solar park, with a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030, will contribute to reducing more than 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Al Tayer highlighted the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park’s key components, phases, and strategic objectives. He noted that the 13MW photovoltaic first phase became operational in 2013. The 200MW photovoltaic second phase of the solar park was launched in March 2017. The 800MW photovoltaic third phase became fully operational in November 2020. The 4th phase of the solar park, with a capacity of 950 MW according to the IPP model, is the largest concentrated single-site solar power plant that combines CSP and solar photovoltaic technologies. It features the world’s tallest solar power tower at 262.44 meters. On its completion, the project will have the largest thermal storage capacity in the world of 15 hours, allowing for energy availability around the clock.

In addition, 600 MW from the 900MW 5th phase using photovoltaic solar panels have been commissioned, and work is underway to complete the rest of the projects. DEWA has also announced the 1800MW 6th phase using photovoltaic solar panels. It will be operational in phases.

DEWA has achieved world-class results and developed a new benchmark for solar energy prices (5.6 cents / kWh for the 200MW end phase in 2015 and 2.99 cents/kWh for the 800MW 3rd phase in 2016) and USD 7.3 cents /kWh for the 700MW fourth phase using Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), which is the lowest in the world based on the IPP model.

Al Tayer talked about the key performance indicators (KPIs). In 2022, DEWA’s results continued to surpass major European and American utilities in several indicators. Losses from electricity transmission and distribution networks were reduced to 2.2%. Water network losses were also reduced to 4.5%. DEWA has achieved a new world record in electricity Customer Minutes Lost (CML) per year. Dubai recorded 1.19 minutes per customer. DEWA’s Generation division has achieved global leadership in its operations and performance for electricity and water co-generation systems. DEWA’s optimal fuel heat utilization is 90%, which is among the highest in the world.

HE Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed, President of Bahrain’s Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), emphasized that his country places a high priority on the future of clean energy, resource development, and sustainability. The visit to Dubai, UAE, aimed to enhance cooperation and learn from the successful experiences of various projects and initiatives related to the futuristic vision for energy in the region. Additionally, EWA highlighted its own initiatives to achieve sustainability, which is a core part of its vision. Ahmed reiterated EWA’s commitment to achieving future goals and visions.

Ahmed emphasized the need for concerted efforts in the next phase to facilitate the use of clean solar energy, reduce carbon emissions, and lower production costs. He also highlighted Bahrain’s plan to achieve sustainability, which is a core principle of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, and the Kingdom’s active role in preserving natural resources and developing infrastructure in the clean energy sector.

HE Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed expressed his sincere gratitude to DEWA for their warm welcome during his visit, particularly to HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA. He commended the cooperation the delegation received from everyone during the visit and wished DEWA continued success in achieving its ambitions.

The Bahraini delegation visited the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The delegation members were briefed on the latest photovoltaic and CSP technologies used in the solar park’s projects.