Dubai World Trade Centre in solar power drive
New solar power technology and energy conservation methods to be introduced at exhibition centre
The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced the conclusion of a feasibility study for the introduction of new renewable energy technology across its real estate assets.
As part of this initiative, the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) within the DWTC complex will incorporate next-generation technologies for solar power, along with the latest in energy conservation methods.
In a statement, DWTC said the “expansive rooftops and facades of the halls of the conference and exhibition centre will be innovatively leveraged”.
The initial phase of the sustainability programme will see the installation of a 1.2MW photovoltaic solar power plant in the Trade Centre complex. Spanning 10,500sqm and featuring more than 4,500 photovoltaic modules, the plant will generate an estimated 1,800MWh a year.
The planned system is being designed as a noiseless and environmentally-friendly solution that will maximise the capture of solar energy within a desert environment, while also looking at addressing issues regarding the cost-effective conversion to power, unaided by mechanical movement and fossil fuels, the statement added.
“DWTC’s commitment to contributing to the UAE’s clean energy agenda is exemplified in our deployment of pioneering sustainable and renewable energy solutions across the DWTC complex,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, the director general of the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA).
“The integral convention and exhibition assets, in particular, will spearhead our efforts to drive innovation and be the future global benchmark for sustainability, as it is aligned with Dubai’s masterplan for a green future.”
Almarri added that the detailed feasibility study will look to incorporate next-generation technologies for the exhibition halls. He said that this would be part of the retained permanent event and conference facilities within the DWTC complex.
“We envision this project at the heart of Dubai’s new business district, to serve as the emirate’s showcase initiative for clean and sustainable energy on an international stage,” he said.
One Central is DWTC’s newest mixed use development and Almarri said that the project had pioneered sustainability as part of Phase One of the wider programme, thanks to its investments in solar rooftop technologies and clean energy solutions.
The project has been awarded LEED Gold status and it is expected to generate 58% of its hot water demand by utilising photovoltaic cells within the skylights of its commercial assets, solar panel rooftops and flat plate collectors.
Furthermore, DWTC has said that it intends to build a six-storey carpark, which would extend the application of the efficient solar rooftop technology and enable its operation on natural resources, which reducing its carbon footprint by installing flat plate collectors.
All initiatives that have been assessed and outlined as part of the strategic DWTC renewable energy and sustainability programme follow the Dubai Green Building Regulations and renewable energy guidelines from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DWTC added in its statement.
“As renewable energy initiatives gain impetus in the region, the DWTC continues to accelerate its undertaking of seeking out, sourcing and implementing sustainable energy solutions in every aspect of its operations – from mindful and responsible energy consumption to conservation, renewal and reuse, contributing actively to the strategic agenda for Dubai 2050 in line with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed,” said Almarri.
The initiative is also expected to cover the upcoming DWTC site at Jebel Ali.
