Dubai may source 8% of power from renewables

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer at the launch of the Green Economy report. - Supplied photo

Dubai will source eight per cent or at least 1000 megawatts of its over-all power requirements from renewable energy sources by next year, according to Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO and managing director of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa).
Speaking on the sidelines of the State of the Green Economy report launch on Wednesday, Al Tayer said Dubai will beat its original target of providing seven per cent of Dubai's total power output from clean energy sources by 2020.
Al Tayer added that Dewa will invest Dh8 billion on energy projects this year, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, in line with the goal of increasing renewable energy production to 25 per cent by 2030, and 75 per cent by 2050. Dewa will also promote efficiency and conservation programmes and reduce power and water network losses.
"The UAE views sustainability as a global priority and is committed to combatting the impacts of climate change through relevant strategies and policies as per the UN's Sustainable Development Goals 2030. In Dubai, we are working to achieve the goals of the 8 principles of governance and the 50 Year Charter launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which include improving the quality of life, developing Dubai's society, and ensuring a bright future for the next generations," said Al Tayer.
He added that Dubai is transitioning to a green economy through two parallel courses of action. "The first is to reduce energy and water demand by 30 per cent by 2030, by promoting efficiency and conservation programmes and by improving the supply side by diversifying the energy mix, especially clean energy," Al Tayer explained. - angel@khaleejtimes.com