Dubai: The Sustainability and Innovation Centre of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) welcomed a high-level delegation of 30 leaders from 15 countries as part of the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Leadership Programme. The programme was launched by the UAE's National Committee on SDGs and the Government Experience Exchange Programme, overseen by the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, in collaboration with the SDG Academy.
According to Emirates News Agency, DEWA officials briefed the delegation on key energy transition and carbon reduction projects, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. This solar park is recognized as the world's largest single-site solar facility operating under the independent power producer model. Its capacity is expected to exceed 8,000 megawatts by 2030, surpassing the original 5,000 MW target, and is projected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 8.5 million tonnes annually.
The visitors were also informed about DEWA's Green Hydrogen project, noted as the first in the Middle East and North Africa to produce hydrogen using solar energy. This hydrogen is utilized to generate clean energy via a hydrogen-powered engine, aiding in the reduction of carbon emissions. Additionally, it supports applications across several sectors, including the fuelling of hydrogen vehicles.
In addition, the delegation learned about the EV Green Charger initiative, which offers smart charging services through more than 1,500 charging points around Dubai.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, expressed that the visit underscores the authority's role in supporting global and national efforts to achieve the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. He emphasized DEWA's contribution to positioning Dubai as a hub for knowledge exchange in sustainable development.
Al Tayer highlighted that DEWA has been a supporter of the SDGs since their inception in 2015, contributing to goals related to clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, economic growth, innovation, responsible consumption, and climate action. He also noted that DEWA's efforts were acknowledged when it received the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) UN SDGs Challenge Award in 2021.