DEWA Innovation Lab promotes advancement in solar energy projects

An Innovation Lab organized by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) works to fulfill the Shams Dubai Initiative, originated by DEWA to meet the Smart Dubai initiative.

DEWA’s goal mirrors that of the Smart Dubai plan, to build a safe, welcoming city for visitors, residents and citizens. The Innovation Lab is located at DEWA’s Sustainable Building in Al Quoz. Some of those who participated in the lab included representatives from Dubai Government Excellence Program (DGEP), and visionaries from different government departments, organizations, and foundations in Dubai.

“We organized the Shams Dubai Innovation Lab to carry out the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance government innovation, develop government services, and improve the overall efficiency and performance of government work,” Saeed Al Tayer, CEO of DEWA, said. “The program included specialist workshops on the latest initiatives and included a brainstorming session to develop radical ways to come up with new solutions.”

The Innovation Lab included a brainstorming session to develop innovative ideas, a tour of the the 660 kilowatt (kW) solar power plant at DEWA's Sustainable Building, and a workshop for the Shams Dubai initiative and the Taqat energy project, which is a joint venture between DEWA and the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI), developed by graduates of MBRCGI. The project generates electricity through solar and kinetic energy.

“We prioritize innovation and diversification of energy resources, in adherence with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to make Dubai a global hub for clean energy and green economy, and to provide 75 percent of the Emirate's power output from clean energy by 2050,” Al Tayer said. “As part of our ongoing efforts to support the Smart Dubai initiative, we launched the Shams Dubai initiative to encourage building owners to install photovoltaic panels on their rooftops to generate electricity from solar power, and connect their systems to DEWA's grid.”