World Green Economy Summit 2018 to kick off in October amid growing adoption of new technologies

The fifth edition to focus on green capital, digital transformation & leadership and social engagement

 Dubai, UAE, 21 May 2018: The annual World Green Economy Summit (WGES 2018) will be organised in Dubai to tackle global issues and important strategies, including the digital age and its impact on building a ‘green’ and sustainable future growth across industries. This was announced today by the organising committee of the fifth World Green Economy Summit ‘WGES 2018’.

WGES is set to take place from October 24th to 25th under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The summit is organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) in collaboration with international partners under the theme ‘Driving Innovation, Leading Change’.

WGES 2018 will focus on three main pillars, green capital, digital transformation, and leadership and social engagement. The event will gather financial executives, investment professionals, and thought leaders to discuss ways to increase green capital flows into regional and global environment-friendly projects and how to de-risk those investments.

WGES 2018 will also focus on developing the digital economy and integrating it with the green economy. The summit will discuss the latest smart technologies and digital breakthroughs that promise to accelerate green growth and sustainable development.

On leadership and social engagement, the event will examine the ongoing shift to a green economy – a phenomenon that many fears may lead to human insecurity and inequalities, job losses, and social deficits. Participating leaders and supporters of green innovation initiatives are expected to exchange knowledge and best practices to address the economic and social impact of these programmes.

“Holding WGES 2018 comes in line with the far-sighted vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to enhance sustainable development in the UAE as well as reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global capital of green economy. The summit also forms a vital aspect of the UAE Centennial 2071 for the UAE to become the best country in the world in 2071;the UAE Vision 2021; the Dubai Plan 2021 and our continuous efforts to achieve the goals of Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 that aims to provide 7 per cent of Dubai’s energy from clean energy sources by 2020, 25 per cent by 2030 and 75 per cent by 2050, not to mention the UAE Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution that aims to achieve a competitive national economy based on knowledge, innovation and futuristic applications by integrating physical, digital and vital technologies,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy in Dubai, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, and Chairman of WGES.

“New and advanced technologies are the key to a successful and genuine digital transformation and green economic growth. It is important therefore that all of us in the green economy to formulate major policies and frameworks encouraging relevant technological developments that will benefit society as a whole. Focusing on three main pillars, DEWA and WGEO are organising WGES 2018 to strengthen Dubai’s leading position as a global model for clean energy and green economy by using the disruptive technologies of the 4th industrial revolution, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), UAVs, energy storage, blockchain, the Internet of Things and many more,” added Al Tayer.

Abdul Rahim Sultan, Director of WGEO, added: “The Summit will be crucial to promoting the widespread acceptance and increased importance of the green economy in the context of sustainable development. We are confident that the inputs from this year’s WGES will contribute to promote implementation of green economy policies at all levels, in a manner that endeavours to drive sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth through providing us an interactive platform where we can share relevant best industry practices and latest innovations.”

The UAE is the first in the Arab world and the region as per the index of realising global green economy and it is at the forefront of the green transformation and renewable energy. In this regard, Dubai has launched Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world based on the Independent Power Producer model. Supporting the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, this ambitious project aims to transform Dubai into an international hub for clean and renewable energy.

Empower highlights the latest district cooling systems to Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum during his visit at WETEX

 

The District cooling capacity to reach 1.340 million RT by the end of 2017

Dubai, UAE, October 23, 2017

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and the Minister of Finance and President of DEWA, visited the stand of Empower, the world’s largest district cooling services provider, and was briefed on the success and achievements of the company and its latest district cooling technologies at this year’s edition of the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX), which is running until the 25^th of October 2017 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). His Highness was accompanied with HH Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority who were met by Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, who gave a brief presentation on the company’s latest projects and initiatives.

During their visit to the Empower stand, the visitors learned more about the company’s latest range of district cooling solutions and its commitment towards increasing awareness on the importance of utilizing energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly cooling products and services. Company representatives present at the stand provided briefings and presentations about the strategic role played by the district cooling facilities in the unified efforts to conserve energy, protect and preserve the environment and help drive in reduction of carbon emissions as compared to conventional cooling systems. The company paid particular focus on the recent achievements made by its third Business Bay cooling plant, which achieved LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council. The certification demonstrates the company’s continuing commitment towards adopting the most stringent sustainability policy implemented in the cooling services industry today.

Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said “We are truly humbled with the enormous response from the participants and visitors toured Empower stand at WETEX 2017. The positive responses have inspired us to further our efforts in achieving sustainability, protecting the environment and serving as an example for other companies and organizations to follow. Our presence at the show has allowed us to showcase our latest achievements–including our highly advanced cooling plants in Business Bay, which has garnered wide attention and response from WETEX visitors and participants.”

Empower’s participation at WETEX and WGES reflects its continuing commitment towards providing world-class district cooling services to Dubai. Both the events serve as a platform to throw the spotlight on Empower’s newest range of cooling services while also providing key insight on the region’s rapidly thriving district cooling segment. In addition, Empower also had the opportunity to outline innovative and eco-friendly solutions that can help in the ongoing efforts to preserve natural resources and protect the environment.

“Being the world’s largest district cooling services provider, we promise to stay the number one company in the industry and will always maintain our position. Empower places key importance in participating in international events like WETEX and WGES as it not only gives us the opportunity to consolidate our regional presence but also allows us to share our industry insights and interact with local and international companies–giving way to potential opportunities and the development of new solutions in energy efficiency and water conservation,” concluded Bin Shafar.

Empower provides environmentally responsible district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments such as Jumeirah Group, Business Bay, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai International Financial Centre, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Ibn Battuta Mall, Discovery Gardens, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai World trade Centre Residences, Dubai Design District, among others.

 

WETEX 2017 attracts key industry players in water desalination, treatment, and conservation technologies

 

Dubai, UAE, 15 October 2017: The scarcity of drinking water in various parts of the world imposes challenges that encouraged many companies to invest in research of new technologies for water production and storage. This work has coincided with broad awareness campaigns to encourage the sensible use of water and the reduction of waste. Researchers have taken different paths in their quest to find new sources of water supply. This includes enhancing the desalination of seawater and reducing its costs, wastewater treatment, and desalination using renewable energy.

The innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies in water treatment are one of the key subjects of the 19th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2017). DEWA is organising WETEX in adherence with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance, and President of DEWA.. WETEX’s theme is ‘At the Forefront of Sustainability,’ and will take place from 23 to 25 October 2017 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. It will present the latest developments and technologies in water, energy and environmental technology.

This year’s WETEX provides large spaces that bring together key industry players from around the world under one roof. This covers all aspects, from water treatment, desalination plants, pipes of all kinds, to coolers and heaters, as well as other products and solutions. WETEX will also have tools, equipment and accessories for digging technologies, pumps, valves, the latest advances in irrigation systems, agriculture and horticultural equipment and water extraction equipment. With a focus on water conservation, WETEX will include products for detecting and treating water leaks, reservoir lining, and various materials used in the water sector and for water transportation.

During the exhibition, DEWA will also highlight its strategic plan to promote the efficiency of its water network to meet increasing demand and support the sustainable development of Dubai. DEWA will also highlight the efforts of the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia), operating under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, to combat poverty and diseases by finding long-term sustainable solutions for the scarcity of drinking water by using solar power and other sustainable solutions.

By end of 2016, over 8 million people in 19 countries around the world benefitted from Suqia’s projects.

WETEX has established itself as one of the largest exhibitions of its kind worldwide, with an increasing number of exhibitors and sponsors. WETEX 2017 serves as an important meeting point for manufacturers, service providers, decision-makers and investors from around the world to ensure a brighter future for generations to come. Since its launch, the exhibition has seen the signing of numerous deals and partnerships that contributed to shifting the energy sector regionally and globally. This year, WETEX will provide a platform to show the latest technologies in water, energy, the environment and green economy.

The exhibition focuses on innovation as one of the key pillars to drive sustainable development, improve quality of life and transform Dubai into the preferred place to live, work, and visit. DEWA is organising WETEX under the umbrella of the 4^th Green Week, which coincides with the 2^nd Dubai Solar Show and the 4^th World Green Economy Summit (WGES). A large number of experts and specialists from around the world will take part in WGES to speak on various aspects of green economy, smart cities and innovation.

WETEX to take place from 23 to 25 October 2017

Event coincides with 4^th World Green Economy Summit and 2^nd Dubai Solar Show

Dubai, UAE, 2 October, 2017: HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, Founder and Chairman of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX), announced the launch of the 19^th WETEX, organised in adherence with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance, and President of DEWA.

The press conference was held at the Address Hotel, Dubai Mall, in the presence of DEWA’s senior executives, representatives from partners, exhibitors, sponsors, and the media.

The press conference was also attended by HE Saif Al Falasi, CEO of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Dr Yousef Al Akraf, Chairperson of the Sales, Logistics and Sponsorships Committee at WETEX, Khawla Al Mehairi, Chairperson of the Marketing, Public Relations, Media and Events Committee at WETEX, Jasim Rajab, financial comptroller and member of the Higher Organising Committee of WETEX, and Marwan bin Haider, member of the Higher Organising Committee of WETEX.

“In adherence to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and President of DEWA, WETEX 2017 will take place from 23 to 25 October 2017 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Covering a surface area of over 70,000 square metres, the event will play host to 2,000 exhibitors from 50 different countries. This year, WETEX’s theme is ‘At the Forefront of Sustainability,’ and is part of Green Week. It will also coincide with the 2nd Dubai Solar Show and the 4th World Green Economy Summit. At least 60 speakers from all over the world will focus on key topics, such as Smart Cities, Green Economy, Innovation, and Sustainable Development at this year’s World Green Economy Summit,” Al Tayer said.

“Over the last 18 years, WETEX has established itself as one of the largest and most important international exhibitions in water, environment and energy, and has strengthened Dubai’s position as an international role model for sustainability. WETEX supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who made investing in clean energy one of Dubai’s biggest strategic priorities. WETEX 2017 has become an important strategic platform that facilitates effective and fruitful cooperation between decision-makers, investors, researchers, academics and experts, to explore modern solutions and technologies that promote sustainability, energy security and a wealth of opportunities for current and future generations,” added Al Tayer.

Al Tayer noted that WETEX has become a highly-anticipated annual event that gains the attention of many institutions, organisations, government bodies and companies that specialise, regionally and internationally, in energy, water and environment. WETEX facilitates the exchange of effective solutions and green products, in addition to a range of investment opportunities in these sectors. This event is a springboard for promoting emerging technologies, innovation and products in clean and renewable energy, water, environment, oil and gas. It provides investors with the opportunity to develop commercial relations, and meet representatives from different corporations all over the world, all under one roof. Dubai’s hosting WETEX 2017 supports its efforts to achieve the national Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, which was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform the country into a global hub for exporting and re-exporting green products and technologies. WETEX also supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to transform Dubai into a global hub for clean energy and green economy, by providing 7% of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy by 2020. This target will increase to 25% by 2030, and 75% by 2050.

“This year’s event will focus on a range of key topics including rationalising the consumption of water and energy resources, environmental protection, waste management, green buildings, and reducing carbon emissions. WETEX 2017 will highlight the most advanced technologies and innovations designed to conserve natural resources, promote environmental security and promote regional and international sustainability, and encourage scientific innovation and creativity in energy. We have supported this by organising the award ceremony to honour the winners of the 3^rd Emirates Energy Award (EEA), which will be part of the World Green Economy Summit 2017. We support these efforts to recognise local and international sustainable solutions for current and future environmental issues. We want to promote the award as a global benchmark for education, research, awareness, and a culture of excellence and sustainability. One of the main highlights of this event will be the Innovation Hall, which will feature the participation of 14 universities. It was launched to highlight the significant role played by universities in identifying solutions to environmental issues, through science and knowledge. It will also provide universities with a platform to show their latest research projects and innovations. The participation of universities has become a successful addition to the exhibition, and has helped strengthen its position as an international platform and meeting point for scientists, intellectuals, innovators, scholars and students from all over the world.”

Al Tayer said that the organisation of the 2nd Dubai Solar Show, the biggest exhibition in the region focused on solar technologies, which coincides with WETEX, will take place over an area of 14,000 square metres, following the success of the first one in 2016. This reflects the wise leadership’s unceasing efforts to increase the UAE’s level of dependence on clean energy, while transforming into a green economy, and adopting the concepts of environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Al Tayer added that the Dubai Solar Show has become the ideal platform for organisations, universities, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, specialists in solar storage and system installations, solar power station developers under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, Research and Development (R&D) organisations, and engineering consultancy companies. The Dubai Solar Show provides a deeper insight into the latest innovative solutions and modern trends in the solar industry. Experts have forecast that the solar market to expand tenfold by 2030, to become the main source of energy powering the world. Solar power is also expected to generate revenues estimated at USD 5 trillion within the next 15 years. A sizable leap is also expected to occur in photovoltaic solar power technologies, due to the 75% reduction in costs over the last 10 years. These factors have led to increased demand for solar power in many places around the world.

“In adherence to Dubai’s vision to become one of the smartest and most sustainable cities in the world, we made it our priority to ensure that the 2nd Dubai Solar Show features a range of specialised platforms in addition to the national pavilions. The events agenda will include a number of high-profile discussions addressing key topics such as the regulations and policies necessary for driving renewable energy and climate change projects around the world, smart city transformations, strategies of energy demand management, the best international practices for energy efficiency, the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. We are confident that this event will be important for both the public and private sectors, capable of facilitating deals, establishing strategic partnerships, identifying market needs and how to meet them, highlighting the latest technologies in the solar industry, and current and future projects from around the region.”

Al Tayer thanked all the partners, valued strategic, platinum, gold and media sponsors for their support for this important economic and environmental event, and thanked them for their support over the last few years, which has contributed to the transformation of WETEX into the biggest exhibition of its kind in the region. He also expressed his appreciation for the role of the media to promote WETEX as a leading platform to facilitate international leaders, decision-makers and investors in water, energy and environment.

“We reiterate our promise to continue supplying exhibitors, visitors and investors with the highest quality facilities, as well as an interactive platform to promote a culture of sustainability, energy technology, and international efforts to achieve a green economy. We are looking forward to welcoming WETEX 2017 as a new milestone for success and excellence,” concluded Al Tayer.

DEWA to implement second consecutive Carbon Neutral Emissions initiative for Earth Hour 2017

Dubai, UAE, 9 March 2017: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced that it will carry out its Carbon Neutral Emissions initiative again for this year’s Earth Hour celebration, in cooperation with the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (Dubai Carbon), as part of its commitment to environmental protection and carbon footprint reduction for generations to come, and to achieve its vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility.

DEWA organises Earth Hour celebrations, one of world’s biggest environmental initiatives to address pressing environmental problems threatening the planet, on 25 March, 2017, from 8:30-9:30pm under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Earth Hour. Earth Hour raises community awareness about tackling the effects of global warming and climate change, as well as preserving the environment and natural resources by switching off unnecessary lights and all other electrical devices for an hour.

DEWA’s own Carbon Neutral Emission initiative aims to reduce its carbon emissions during Earth Hour this year to 0%. The carbon emissions reduction can be achieved by exchanging its carbon emissions with carbon credits approved for DEWA’s projects, based on the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). During Earth Hour 2016, DEWA’s carbon emissions were neutralised with carbon balances approved for the first phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which has a capacity of 13 megawatts (MW).

“In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the goals of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to make Dubai a global hub of clean energy, green economy, and sustainable development, DEWA will implement, for the second consecutive year, its Carbon Neutral Emissions following last year’s successful zero-carbon Earth Hour celebrations,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD & CEO of DEWA.

“DEWA has consistently supported Dubai’s efforts to raise public awareness on various environmental issues by adopting and launching several relevant initiatives and projects. Our aim is to increase awareness on the importance of conserving and preserving our natural resources. Carbon reduction and impact mitigation form part of our environmental strategy, which includes the establishment of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park based on the independent power producer model. It is one of our leading projects with a planned capacity of 5,000MW by 2030,” added Al Tayer.

Al Tayer also asked Dubai’s residents and citizens to take part in Earth Hour 2017 to promote the Emirate as a leading venue for initiatives and events to strengthen social and environmental awareness and support the country’s and the world’s sustainable development.

DEWA celebrates Earth Hour annually to support global efforts to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, which have caused global warming and environmental pollution. These are in addition to developing sustainable solutions to climate change. DEWA was awarded the official Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) issued by the UNFCCC, in cooperation with Dubai Carbon, for its successful zero-carbon Earth Hour celebrations in 2016. It exchanged its carbon emissions with approved carbon balances based on the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC.