A delegation from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), led by Managing Director and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, visited China to discuss enhanced cooperation with leading Chinese companies in renewable energy. The trip focused on strengthening strategic partnerships, particularly in solar energy and battery storage technologies, as part of Dubai’s clean energy initiatives.
DEWA is currently accepting tenders for the seventh phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This phase will add 2,000 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic solar panels and a 1,400MW battery energy storage system capable of storing power for six hours. The project uses the independent power producer (IPP) model and aims to be one of the world’s largest projects combining solar energy and battery storage.
The delegation included Waleed bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence; Hussain Lootah, Executive Vice President of Transmission Power; Marwan bin Haidar, Executive Vice President of Innovation and the Future; Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Executive Vice President of Business Support and Human Resources; Mohammed Jamea, Vice President of Clean Energy and Diversification; Ghanim Al Qassim, Senior Manager of Solar Energy; along with other engineers.
Al Tayer stated that the visit aligns with directives from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to speed up Dubai’s energy transition. He said it supports DEWA’s efforts to meet the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim for all power generation in Dubai to come from clean sources by 2050.
“Al Tayer emphasised that the visit was in line with the vision and directives of the wise leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to accelerate the energy transition and consolidate Dubai’s position as a global hub for clean energy and green economy. The visit supports DEWA’s efforts to achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to ensure 100% of Dubai’s total power generation capacity comes from clean sources by 2050.”
Al Tayer highlighted DEWA’s collaboration with several major Chinese companies across different sectors in clean energy. He noted that many leading Chinese firms are involved in DEWA projects such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
“Al Tayer noted that DEWA works with several major Chinese companies across various energy sectors, particularly clean and renewable energy. Many leading Chinese companies are involved in DEWA’s projects, notably the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park based on the IPP model.”
During their time in China, Al Tayer and his team visited facilities including Huawei headquarters, BYD headquarters, Tesla BESS factory, Sungrow facility, and CRRC Zhuzhou Institute. These visits provided opportunities to observe best practices in photovoltaic technology, storage systems, artificial intelligence applications for smart solutions, as well as Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
