DEWA launches Shams Dubai to increase residential use of solar power

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has launched its first smart initiative, Shams Dubai, which will regulate solar power generation in buildings and connect them to the firm’s grid.

The project is one of three new initiatives launched by the UAE based company for 2014 in support of the Smart Dubai initiative of UAE Prime Minister HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Under the Shams Dubai project, DEWA will push installation of photovoltaic solar panels on the rooftops of tenants and building owners to meet their energy requirements.

Besides prompting the residents for solar power use, the initiative is expected to diversify Dubai’s energy mix by increasing power generated from renewable sources.

DEWA managing director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: “This smart initiative also supports the Dubai Plan 2021 and the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, to develop sustainable energy projects in Dubai, by increasing the targets for renewable energy in the Emirate’s energy mix to 7% by 2020 and 15% by 2030.

“Last week, we announced the first project under the first smart initiative, in collaboration with Dubai Airports, to supply Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali with solar energy. The first step in implementing the initiative was installing photovoltaic panels to produce 30kW of electricity there.”