Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) plans to increase the number of green fast and ultra-fast charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in Dubai this year.
Majid Hilal Al Hazami, Director of Smart Grid Projects Management at DEWA said that the total number of charging stations currently deployed in Dubai is approximately 390 of various types.
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Charging speed differences, charger deployment locations
During the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, Al Hazami told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that work is underway to increase the number of EV charging stations to reach 1,000 by the end of 2025. This will include a greater proportion of ultra-fast chargers in the emirate.
Moreover, Al Hazami explained that the differences between green chargers are related to their charging speed and deployment locations. Fast and ultra-fast chargers are available at petrol stations and at entrances/exits of the emirate. Using ultra-fast chargers, vehicles can be charged to 80 percent battery capacity in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on battery size and vehicle type. In contrast, medium-speed chargers, typically found in shopping malls, parks, and office areas, can charge 80 percent of a vehicle’s battery in 2 to 4 hours.
The Green Charger initiative was first announced in 2014, with the completion of its first phase in 2015, which installed 100 stations. Expansion of green charger adoption and deployment has continued in the years since.
Smart grid management, sustainability goals
Al Hazami discussed the effectiveness of smart grid management in achieving sustainability goals and serving customers optimally. Regarding DEWA’s participation in the Global Future Energy Summit, Al Hazami emphasized its importance in supporting clean energy trends locally, regionally, and globally. He further highlighted DEWA’s Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Energy Project, the largest single-site solar energy production facility in the world, which utilizes advanced technologies, including the tallest solar power tower at over 263 meters.
Al Hazami also praised the efforts of DEWA’s Innovation Center, which significantly contributes to supporting clean energy projects and future technologies, including by assisting various entities, especially universities, in understanding emerging clean energy technologies.
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