DEWA Signs MoU With International Renewable Energy Agency
Collaboration aimed at strengthening efforts to reinforce Dubai’s position as a sustainable environment
A signing ceremony took place today for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in the Grand Hyatt, Dubai.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Adnan Amin, Director General of IRENA, signed the MoU in the presence of senior officials from both parties and several representatives of governmental departments.
The MoU also aims to realise the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote sustainable development in the Emirate. It aims to promote sustainable renewable energy deployment and further strengthen Dubai’s position as a sustainable environment.
According to the terms of the MoU, DEWA and IRENA will develop and implement policies and energy strategies to accelerate renewable energy implementation.
“This MoU accords with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the long-term initiative launched by His Highness under the theme ’Green Economy For Sustainable Development,’” said Al Tayer.
“This MoU aims to provide a framework and facilitate collaboration between both parties, to promote renewable energy deployment, and support the development and implementation of the required policies and regulatory frameworks that will help to realise the potential for synergies through our joint activities while serving the objectives of both our organisations. It also aims to support our efforts to develop and implement suitable policies and energy strategies for accelerating renewable energy deployment and share best practices and expertise,” said Al Tayer
“The MoU supports the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, which was formulated by the Supreme Council of Energy for Dubai to diversify the energy mix of the Emirate to be 71% Gas, 12% Nuclear Energy, 12% Clean Coal, and 5% Solar Energy by 2030, while reducing energy consumption by 30%,” explained Al Tayer
“Achieving a green and sustainable future is a responsibility for us all. That’s why DEWA is working relentlessly to share best practices and expertise in the field of renewable energy with all reputable and concerned organisations.”
“IRENA is one of the key strategic partners of DEWA in this field and we both are seeking to achieve the UAE Vision 2021 to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world by having the highest standards of living and sustainable environment.”
Having a leading position as a global hub for trade, finance and tourism with a distinguished geographic and strategic location, Dubai has made significant strides in its goal towards sustainable development when it hosted the World Energy Forum 2012. Currently Dubai and the UAE in general is working on projects to diversify its energy mix, while adopting clean and green energy solutions.
“With a good number of heads of state, ministers and prime ministers, government representatives, and experts from all over the globe participating in this high-profile global event in the field of safe and sustainable energy, the Forum issued the ‘Dubai Declaration,’ which praised the UAE and its Vision 2021 for a green economy. The Declaration praised the UAE’s position as a global hub for sustainable energy and development and the rational use of fossil fuels. The Declaration also highlighted Dubai’s leading role and objective future vision as well as its very important achievements and innovations in the field of energy efficiency,” said Al Tayer.
“Our strategy is based on our relentless pursuit of all aspects of energy, from production, resources diversification, transmission and distribution grids, consumption, highest levels of efficiency, conserving resources and preserving the environment. We collaborate with all concerned parties to achieve these ultimate goals, share best expertise and practices to realize the aspirations of our visionary leadership.”
“According to benchmarks with similar global utilities in developed countries, DEWA has achieved remarkable results that surpassed these utilities at many levels, including efficiency, fuel usage, customer services, network losses, and many other remarkable achievements, which culminated in our efforts and pursuit towards the highest levels of efficiency and customer services,” concluded Al Tayer
This is an important step towards energy resource diversification in the Emirate of Dubai, part of a remarkable trend that calls for developing an appropriate, conducive framework for policy, regulations and incentives,” Mr Adnan Amin, Director General of IRENA,said.
“The strategic move to renewable energy in a region endowed with oil and gas is a strong and clear signal of the political commitment to a sustainable future, where renewable energy is an economically as well as environmentally sound option,” he added.
“We are striving to strengthen our engagement with the governments of the region, and this strategic partnership between DEWA and IRENA provides an example of what can be achieved,” Mr Amin said.
Emirate: Dubai
Date: Dec 19, 2012
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