Between 27th and 29th September 2022, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organized the 24th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show (DSS) under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, in order to achieve the vision of the Dubai government in building a sustainable future for the emirate.
WETEX & DSS showcase the latest global technologies and innovations in energy, water, sustainability, green technologies, renewable and clean energy, green mobility solutions, sustainable development, green buildings, electric vehicles, and water desalination technologies, with the participation of major companies from the region and the world.
The exhibition also introduces to the world the UAE’s achievements in the renewable and clean energy sector and sheds light on Dubai’s efforts in renewable and clean energy in line with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100 percent of Dubai’s total production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.
Over 24 years, WETEX and Dubai Solar Show have established their position as the largest exhibition in the region in the energy, water, green development, sustainability, and related sectors and have become one of the largest specialized exhibitions worldwide. It provides a leading platform for international organizations and companies to present their latest solutions and products, as well as to learn about innovative technologies from all over the world, in addition to exchanging expertise and best practices.
WETEX & DSS 2022 coincided with the 8th World Green Economy Summit (WGES), which was organized by DEWA, the World Green Economy Organization, and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy. The two-day event brought together officials, experts, and specialists from around the world. The two events come within the framework of preparations for the UAE’s hosting of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) next year.
WETEX and DSS 2022 spanned an area of 62,513 square meters, with the participation of 1,750 companies from 55 countries, in addition to 64 sponsors. The exhibition also included 20 international pavilions. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of visitors to WETEX increased nearly tenfold. WETEX and Dubai Solar Energy 2022 had 110 seminars by international experts over the three days of the exhibition.
DEWA showcased its key projects and services that use the latest technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and global achievements that made it one of the most distinguished utilities worldwide. Some of these include:
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is the largest single-site solar park in the world using the Independent Power Producer model with a planned production capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030. DEWA is currently implementing the fourth and fifth phases of the solar park.
DEWA’s Space-D program
DEWA’s space program (Space-D) aims to improve the operations, maintenance, and planning of its networks with the support of nanosatellite technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and remote sensing technologies. The program also aims to train Emirati professionals to use space technologies to enhance its electricity and water networks and take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as IoT, AI, and blockchain.
Green Hydrogen project
DEWA is implementing the Green Hydrogen project in cooperation with Expo 2020 Dubai and Siemens Energy at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. Implementing the project, which is the first of its kind in the MENA to produce hydrogen using solar energy at the Solar Park, contributes to achieving competitive prices in producing green hydrogen.
Hydroelectric power plant in Hatta
The production capacity of the pumped-storage hydroelectric power station plant in Hatta is set to reach 250 megawatts (MW) with a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours and a lifespan of up to 80 years. This is the first of its kind in the Gulf region, with investments of around AED1.421 billion ($387 million). High power generation and storage efficiency will reach up to 78.9 percent and with a 90-second response to demand for electricity.
Aquifer storage and recovery system
The full scale of the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project can store up to 6,000 million imperial gallons of water once completed by 2025. This makes it the largest ASR of its kind in the world to store potable water and retrieve it in case of an emergency. This will secure the emirate with an additional source of potable water strategic reserve of 50MIGD for 90 days in emergencies while ensuring the quality of the stored water.
SWRO desalination plant
The Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant, implemented by DEWA at Jebel Ali Power Plant and Desalination Complex, has a production capacity of 40 MIGD and investments worth AED897 million.
Green Charger initiative
DEWA launched the “Green Charger” initiative in 2015 to promote green and sustainable mobility in Dubai and support the Smart Dubai initiative. The initiative includes more than 336 Electric vehicle charging stations distributed across Dubai to ensure a smooth and fast experience based on the latest smart and innovative technologies.
Innovation Centre
DEWA’s Innovation Centre is a platform for innovations in clean energy technologies that promotes a sustainable energy future in Dubai and abroad. The Centre is an inspiring and educational landmark that attracts tourists and visitors from different age groups, including students, families, and individuals. It also attracts businesses and specialists.
Smart Living
The “Smart Living” initiative enables customers to understand, monitor and manage their consumption in real-time through the Smart Living dashboard, which includes several features such as comparing consumption with similar homes with the “My Sustainable Living Programme” Self-Assessment Tool, exclusive offers at DEWA Store, Away Mode service, a call-back feature, auto-scheduling, in addition to the High-Water Usage Alert.
Rammas
DEWA’s virtual employee uses AI to serve customers and respond to their inquiries in Arabic and English around the clock. Rammas can learn and understand the needs of customers based on their inquiries, which it analyses based on the available data and information, and responds to them accordingly.
