DEWA receives Ethiopian Prime Minister at WFES 2014 and participates in Sustainable Living Expo

A high-profile delegation from the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia visited Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) stand at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2014, being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and organised in Abu Dhabi from 20-22 January at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Waleed Salman, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at DEWA, received the delegation which was headed by Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia. The delegation was accompanied by HE Dr Abdullah bin Mohammad Bel Haif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works.

The Ethiopian delegation viewed a model of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is one the largest renewable energy projects in the region and will generate 1,000MW upon completion in 2030, totalling 5% of Dubai's total power output.

Waleed Salman provided the delegation with an overview of the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, which aims to diversify the energy mix to comprise a mix of natural gas (71%), nuclear power (12%), clean coal (12%), and solar energy (5%), and reducing demand for energy by 30% by 2030.

Salman also talked about M Station, the latestelectricity generation and water desalination plant in Jebel Ali Power Station, which is the largest of its kind in the UAE. He also shed light on DEWA’s Sustainable Building in Al Quoz, which is the first Sustainable Building in the UAE, and the largest government building in the world with a Platinum rating for green buildings from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

DEWA also participated in the Sustainable Living Expo being held on the sidelines of WFES. Sultan Al Zaabi, Project Manager of Conservation, Outreach and Engagement at DEWA delivered a presentation on DEWA’s sustainable campaigns and initiatives aimed at achieving its vision to become a sustainable world-class utility, and supporting the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

Al Zaabi emphasised the significance of designing special campaigns to communicate the conservation and awareness messages to the various community segments effectively. He highlighted the Neighbourhood Campaign, which aims to spread environmental awareness using innovative and creative means. The campaign recorded an overwhelming participation from the community members.

Al Zaabi demonstrated the initiatives and campaigns which were designed for particular community segments such as the ‘Conservation Award’ themed ‘For a Better Tomorrow’ for the educational sector, ‘Best Consumer Award’ and ‘Be Water Smart’ campaign.