The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has begun installing solar panels on the roofs of 640 villas belonging to UAE nationals in Hatta. The installation of the panels is being done free of charge and is expected to be completed by February 2018.
DEWA conducted field visits to explain the process and purpose of the project and DEWA representatives also introduced Etihad ESCO as the company responsible for the project management and technical supervision of the project.
Over 40 volunteers participated in the field visits including members of DEWA staff, youth residing in Hatta, and those from volunteer organisations. The visits were supported by Dubai Municipality and Dubai Police. The project aims to transform Hatta residents from energy consumers to green consumers and producers of clean energy. It also seeks to contribute to the protection of the environment.
“DEWA is a strategic partner in the implementation of the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. We are keen to encourage Hatta residents to participate in Shams Dubai, a key pillar of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to transform Dubai into a global hub for clean energy and green economy, and to provide 75% of Dubai’s energy through clean sources by 2050. The initiative also supports the Demand Side Energy Management Strategy, which seeks to reduce energy and water demand by 30% by 2030, driving the country’s sustainable development and making Dubai one of the most sustainable cities in the world,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
This initiative is part of DEWA’s efforts to contribute to the enhancement of environmental sustainability and make Dubai one of the most sustainable cities in the world. It also supports the Shams Dubai initiative and the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan.
“Dewa will work in cooperation with Etihad ESCO to design and install solar panels on the rooftops of houses in the Hatta area, providing them with a guarantee for the panels installed for one full year, free of charge, which will result in many environmental and economic benefits for them. The value of energy produced will be deducted from the electricity consumption bill of each household. The production capacity is expected to cover a large portion of the total bill. The project will contribute to the overall development of the region,” Al Tayer added.
Al Tayer also noted that the project will support its efforts to diversify the energy mix in Dubai, and involves the public in reducing the carbon footprint of the emirate.