H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), welcomed Senator Jens Kerstan, Minister of Environment, Energy, Climate and Agriculture of Hamburg, Germany.

The meeting, held at DEWA’s headquarters, underscores DEWA’s commitment to forging global partnerships that enhance sustainability, renewable energy and climate action.

Discussions centred around potential collaborative efforts between Dubai and Hamburg to accelerate green energy transition, address climate change and exchange best practices in environmental sustainability.

Both parties acknowledged the importance of exchanging knowledge and expertise, and leveraging technology to tackle global environmental challenges.

H.E. Al Tayer highlighted Dubai’s ambitious clean energy and sustainable development goals, in line with the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership to drive the transition to a green economy.

DEWA strives to achieve the goals of the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to provide 100% of Dubai’s energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.

DEWA plays a leading role in realising this ambition through pioneering clean and renewable energy projects, supporting the UAE’s global leadership in climate action.

H.E. Al Tayer also elaborated on DEWA’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park.

By 2030, the solar park will have a production capacity of over 5,000 megawatt (MW), using photovoltaic panels and concentrated solar power (CSP), with a total investment of AED 50 billion. Once completed, it will reduce carbon emissions by more than 6.5 million tonnes annually.

H.E. Al Tayer addressed DEWA’s unprecedented achievements and global leadership among utilities in the energy and water sectors worldwide. DEWA currently ranks first globally in 12 key performance indicators in its areas of work, according to a recent study conducted by a specialised international consultant.

In 2023, line losses from electricity transmission and distribution networks were reduced to 2.0% compared to 6-7% in Europe and the USA. Water network losses reached 4.6% compared to around 15% in North America.

DEWA has achieved a new world record in electricity Customer Minutes Lost (CML) per year. Dubai recorded 1.06 minutes per customer, compared to around 15 minutes recorded by leading utility companies in the European Union.

H.E. Al Tayer highlighted Al-Shera’a Building, DEWA’s new headquarters. The building, which will be the tallest, largest and smartest government Zero Energy building in the world, is designed to receive a platinum rating by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and a gold rating from the WELL Building Standard.

Al-Shera’a will use the latest technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), Big and Open Data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

More than 1,000 m2 of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels in the façade and almost 2,000 m2 of podium fins as well as fibre optic collectors, shaded structure PV and solar trees, which collectively will achieve 5 MWp capacity upon completion, helping to ensure the new headquarters will reach its net zero targets.

His Excellency emphasised the importance of the meaningful dialogue with the Minister of Environment, Energy, Climate and Agriculture of Hamburg, whose vision for Hamburg aligns closely with Dubai’s strategy for a sustainable future.

Such alignment and collaboration underscore the shared commitment to achieving net-zero targets and effective solutions that promote sustainability and innovation.

Senator Kerstan shared Hamburg’s progress and ambitions in sustainable energy and environmental policies, emphasising the city’s commitment to creating a resilient and low-carbon future.

He recognised Dubai’s significant advancements in green energy, praised DEWA’s transformative projects and acknowledged Dubai’s leadership in renewable energy adoption. Senator Kerstan expressed an eagerness for future collaboration that can benefit both cities.