DEWA and Siemens to launch region’s first solar-powered electrolysis facility
The power and water authority’s outdoor testing facilities at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park have been selected for the project
The region’s first solar-powered hydrogen electrolysis facility pilot project has been launched, following an agreement that was signed by the Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Siemens. The announcement was made during the sixth World Government Summit in Dubai.
According to a report by WAM, the project will be used to test and demonstrate an integrated MW-scale plant that produces hydrogen gas through the use of solar power. Following this, the gas will be stored or deployed for re-electrification, transportation and other industrial uses. Hydrogen technology is expected to accelerate renewable energy integration and deployment in the region, and could pave the way for a transition to a sustainable and green economy the report stated.
Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation and Director-General of Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau signed the project’s MoU with Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of DEWA and Joe Kaeser, president and CEO of Siemens.
“This project will not only result in the development of the region’s first solar-driven hydrogen electrolysis facility, but is an example of what can be achieved through collaboration between Expo 2020 Dubai and our partners, truly embodying the Expo theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’,” explained Al Hashimy.
DEWA and Expo 2020 Dubai plan to use fuel-cell vehicles powered by green hydrogen generated at the facility. The report noted that Expo 2020 visitors will be able to visit key facilities at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, where the project will take shape. Live data of the green hydrogen electrolysis will be displayed at Expo 2020 Dubai according to WAM.
“The exhibition will be a celebration of creativity and innovation, providing a platform for new sustainable technologies like this to be presented to a global audience of millions, and help us move towards a cleaner, greener future,” added Al Hashimy.
Al Tayer said the MoU is in line with the vision of the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to increase the share of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy sources to 75% by 2050 through the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.
