Dismissing Waste and Lowering Carbon Footprint: DEWA Achieves a 43.61% Enhancement, Eliminating 104 Million Tonnes of CO2
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Leads the Way in Sustainable Utility Management
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is setting global benchmarks in sustainable utility management, thanks to its commitment to advanced innovation and technology. Over the past 18 years, DEWA has significantly improved its efficiency in electricity and water production, resulting in a cumulative reduction of 104 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
This impressive reduction is equivalent to the absorption capacity of 527 million trees or planting 527 million trees. DEWA's efficiency gains have been achieved through a variety of initiatives, including the use of co-generation technology and advanced hybrid systems.
One such system is employed in DEWA's water desalination plants, integrating multi-stage flashing and seawater reverse osmosis to optimize efficiency and reduce costs. This innovative approach helps in the production of additional electricity and provides thermal energy for desalination, further reinforcing Dubai's position as a global leader in clean energy and resource efficiency.
Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation (Power & Water) at DEWA, emphasized the organization's commitment to innovation. He noted that DEWA's advancements in co-generation technology and hybrid systems contribute to Dubai's global leadership in clean energy and resource efficiency.
DEWA's smart digital infrastructure and AI integration is another key initiative. The authority has created a comprehensive ecosystem of digital platforms, enabling over 7.2 million digital transactions in six months and achieving 99.5% digital adoption. This reduces procedural delays, bureaucratic processes, and enhances customer experience while helping to minimize the carbon footprint.
DEWA's green mobility leadership is also noteworthy. The authority operates over 1,270 electric vehicle (EV) charging points across Dubai, including the pioneering EV Green Charger initiative launched in 2014. This supports Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 by promoting electric and hybrid vehicles, which are expected to make up 50% of all vehicles by 2050.
DEWA's renewable energy expansion is another significant aspect of its commitment to sustainable utility management. The authority plans to add 800 MW of solar capacity to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in 2025, bringing its capacity to 3,427 MW. This solar park is the world's largest single-site solar park, targeting 5,000 MW by 2030 and aiming to reduce carbon emissions by over 6.5 million tons annually, reinforcing Dubai’s clean energy targets.
The efficiency improvements have led to substantial financial savings for DEWA. The authority's hybrid system used in its water desalination plants is designed to optimize efficiency and reduce costs, further contributing to its continued efforts in sustainable utility management.
In conclusion, DEWA's efforts reflect a commitment to creating an advanced, flexible infrastructure that supports sustainable development, enhances operational efficiency, and positions Dubai as a global leader in sustainable utility management.
- DEWA's use of co-generation technology and advanced hybrid systems, such as in their water desalination plants, demonstrates their commitment to innovation in technology and environmental-science.
- Through initiatives like AI integration and a comprehensive digital platform ecosystem, DEWA reduces bureaucratic processes, enhances customer experience, and minimizes the environmental impact, contributing to their sustainability goals.
- DEWA's green mobility leadership, including the operation of over 1,270 EV charging points, supports Dubai's clean energy strategies and promotes the use of electric and hybrid vehicles.
- The expansion of DEWA's renewable energy capacity, such as the addition of 800 MW of solar capacity to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, reinforces Dubai's commitment to combating climate-change and achieving global clean energy benchmarks.
