In a landmark move towards environmental sustainability, Expo City Dubai has signed a historic agreement with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) to power the entire city with renewable energy. The signing ceremony, attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, signifies a significant leap towards Expo City’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
DEWA, in collaboration with Expo City, will supply solar energy to the entire site through International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) sourced from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This strategic initiative aligns seamlessly with the core objectives of COP28, further solidifying Dubai’s commitment to sustainable development and clean energy practices.
Initially providing over 100,000 megawatt-hours of power, the I-RECs will be continually integrated to meet the rising energy needs of the community. Expo City also has plans to independently enhance its on-site renewable energy capacity in the coming years, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly power supply.
The transition to renewable energy is anticipated to have positive effects on Expo City’s tenants, residents, and the numerous events hosted on-site. As Expo City prepares to host the COP28 summit, this move supports the objective of organizing a carbon-neutral event, emphasizing the global transition to clean energy.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, expressed the critical importance of urban centers balancing community needs with environmental sustainability. She emphasized that Expo City’s transition to renewable energy is a crucial step towards sustainable development, aligning with the global focus on climate action.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, highlighted the collaboration as a groundbreaking step towards sustainable development, showcasing Dubai’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The solar energy supply through I-RECs from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park reflects the visionary leadership’s dedication to making Expo City a futuristic, sustainable urban hub.
With the current clean energy capacity of 2,627 megawatts and plans for expansion, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park aims to reach 5,000 megawatts by 2030, contributing to a substantial annual reduction in carbon emissions.
The agreement, serving as a beacon for renewable energy markets, underscores Expo City’s dedication to decarbonization and the reduction of energy consumption. Aligned with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, the agreement echoes Dubai’s ambitious initiatives in renewable energy, including the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. It also reinforces Expo City Dubai’s pivotal role in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, outlining a comprehensive strategy for sustainable urban development in Dubai.
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