Mansoor Bin Mohammed Explores Latest Renewable Energy Technologies At WETEX 2024

H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, recently attended the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX). Organised by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), this event took place from 1st to 3rd October at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It featured over 2,800 companies from 65 countries.

During his visit, Sheikh Mansoor was welcomed by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Founder and Chairman of WETEX. Accompanied by Al Tayer and other senior officials, Sheikh Mansoor toured the exhibition. He received updates on advancements in energy, water desalination, green technology, clean energy solutions, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, research and development.

Sheikh Mansoor explored DEWA’s stand to learn about developments at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This park is the largest single-site solar park globally based on the Independent Power Producer model. The fourth phase of this project is notable for using three hybrid technologies: a parabolic basin complex producing 600MW, a Concentrated Solar Power tower generating 100MW, and photovoltaic panels adding another 250MW.

The solar park features a record-breaking solar tower standing at 263.126 metres tall and boasts the largest thermal energy storage capacity of 5,907 megawatt hours (MWh), as recognised by Guinness World Records. Sheikh Mansoor was also briefed on the sixth phase of the Solar Park under construction. This phase will produce 1,800MW with investments reaching AED 5.5 billion.

This new phase aims to supply clean energy to approximately 540,000 homes while reducing carbon emissions by around 2.36 million tonnes annually. The project covers an area of 20 square kilometres. Sheikh Mansoor showed interest in projects led by the Research and Development Centre and Sustainability and Innovation Centre at the Solar Park.

He also learned about Shams Dubai's initiative to install photovoltaic solar panels on rooftops across homes and buildings in Dubai. Additionally, Sheikh Mansoor was informed about the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project designed to store up to 6 billion imperial gallons of water.

Exploring Green Mobility Solutions

This ASR project will create a strategic reserve capable of supplying Dubai with over 50 million gallons daily for up to 90 days during emergencies or when needed. At WETEX's Green Mobility Hall, Sheikh Mansoor explored solutions from local and international companies specialising in sustainable transport technologies.

The hall showcased innovations in individual and public transport sectors focusing on green mobility logistics. Furthermore, Sheikh Mansoor visited various display areas featuring companies like Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), ACWA Power, Higher Colleges of Technology, Taqa Water Solutions as well as international pavilions from Russia, Belarus and Italy.

The visit highlighted Dubai's commitment to advancing sustainable technologies across multiple sectors including energy production through solar power initiatives like those seen at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park along with efforts towards enhancing water security via projects such as ASR while promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions showcased within WETEX's Green Mobility Hall.

With inputs from WAM