WETEX 2024 Concludes Successfully With Over 2,800 Exhibitors From 65 Countries Showcasing Innovations

The 26th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) concluded successfully at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organised by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the event took place from 1st to 3rd October. This year's exhibition featured 2,800 exhibitors from 65 countries and included 21 international pavilions representing 14 nations.

WETEX is annually organised under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. It is also under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy. The exhibition is one of the largest in the world for sectors like water, energy, sustainability, green mobility, and more.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Founder and Chairman of WETEX, stated that "The success achieved by WETEX is a clear reflection of the future-forward vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum." He highlighted Dubai's role as a global hub for clean energy and innovation in sustainability.

During WETEX 2024, local and international companies showcased their products and services. The event served as a platform for investors to build business relationships with top companies worldwide. It emphasised collaboration between public and private sectors to support innovation in sustainability.

DEWA showcased several projects aligned with Dubai's Clean Energy Strategy 2050. These initiatives aim to produce all energy from clean sources by 2050. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park was a focal point, being the world's largest single-site solar park using photovoltaic panels and CSP technologies.

The solar park currently has a production capacity of 2,860MW with plans to reach 4,660MW by 2026. DEWA also secured two Guinness World Records for its solar tower height and thermal energy storage capacity in this park's fourth phase.

Innovative Green Hydrogen Project

The Green Hydrogen project at the solar park is notable as it uses solar power to produce hydrogen. This initiative is pioneering in the MENA region. Since its launch in 2021, it has achieved its production goals by generating around 20kg of hydrogen per hour.

This project won the Hydrogen Project of the Year Award at the Hydrogen Future Awards 2023 during CGHM2023 in Dubai. It highlights DEWA’s innovative efforts in sustainable energy solutions.

Advanced Water Desalination Techniques

Another significant project involves reverse-osmosis desalination using solar energy. This initiative will produce up to 180 million gallons of desalinated water daily with an investment of AED 3.357 billion (US$914 million). It's DEWA's first Independent Water Producer model project.

The Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project will store up to six billion gallons of water for emergencies. This technology ensures a strategic reserve capable of supplying over 50 million gallons daily for three months during crises.

Smart Grid Implementation

A smart grid with AED seven billion investment aims to enhance service integration across electricity and water networks. It allows two-way communication between utilities and customers while ensuring efficient operations through advanced features like automated decision-making capabilities.

Green Mobility Initiatives

The EV Green Charger Initiative launched in 2014 supports green mobility efforts in Dubai. By August 2024, over 700 charging stations were established through collaborations with stakeholders including around 400 operated by DEWA itself.

Interactive Learning Experiences

The Sustainability & Innovation Centre at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park offers educational programmes throughout the year focusing on clean energy technologies using Metaverse technology for virtual tours among other activities enhancing awareness about sustainability issues globally.

A Health & Safety Hub was introduced featuring workshops aimed at raising awareness about safety technologies alongside competitions encouraging innovation within health procedures sectorally too!

DEWA’s virtual employee utilises ChatGPT technology enhancing customer experience through superior interaction capabilities making it first utility globally adopting such tech strengthening position locally internationally alike!

With inputs from WAM