Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) launched three smart initiatives in 2014 in a bid to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world in three years with 100 initiatives and 1,000 smart services.

Dewa’s three initiatives are Shams Dubai, which connects solar energy to houses and buildings to encourage households and building owners to install photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to generate electricity. The PV solar system will be connected to Dewa’s grid. This encourages the use of renewable energy and increases its share in the energy mix.

The second initiative, Smart Applications and Meters, includes smart applications that use smart meters and grids that contribute to fast-service connection, fast response, and rationalise energy use.

The third initiative, the Green Charger, is to establish the infrastructure to build 100 electric vehicle charging stations this year. Dewa has already completed its first phase and built 16 Green Charger stations and will install a further 84 stations by the end of 2015.

“The strategic objectives of these initiatives support the long-term Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, to establish the UAE as one of the global leaders in this area, and a global hub for exporting and re-exporting green products and technologies, while maintaining a sustainable environment that supports economic growth in the long run,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dewa.

“The initiative includes a range of programmes and policies in energy, agriculture, investment, and sustainable transport, in addition to new environmental and construction policies to raise the quality of life in the UAE.

“Our objective in the transition to become the smartest city in the world is to achieve the happiness of society and provide instant and seamless smart services anytime, anywhere. Dubai has all the elements to reach top positions globally and has become a leading global hub for sustainability, competitiveness, and green economy.

“The Green Charger initiative grid will substantially contribute to introducing electric vehicles in Dubai, boosting the use of energy resources and reducing the Emirate’s carbon footprint. Dewa keeps on taking steady, confident steps towards achieving the comprehensive sustainability as envisioned by the wise leadership of Dubai and the UAE,” added Al Tayer.

Dewa opened the first charging station last February. The first phase of the EV charging project included installing 16 stations for public use.

Each station can accommodate two vehicles at the same time. Twelve stations have been installed at Dewa’s centres, which can charge 24 vehicles simultaneously. These stations have been installed and are ready for use.

During phase two of the project, 84 charging stations of different types will be installed across Dubai. These include fast, public, and home charging stations throughout the Emirate. The Green Charger stations in Dewa’s offices will operate during customer service working hours. Stations in petrol stations and other public places such as car parks will operate round the clock.

Dewa is building three types of electric vehicle charging stations that are compatible with the latest international technologies used in electric vehicles. The setting up of the three types will be based on recommendations by the project’s consultants. Types of charging stations are:

Fast charging stations: Charging takes 20-40 minutes. They will be installed in petrol stations and on highways.

Medium charging stations: Charging takes 2-4 hours. They will be installed in shopping malls, parks, offices, etc.

Home charging stations: Charging takes 6-8 hours.

Dewa also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), which supports Dewa’s smart initiatives such as the installation of PV panels, development of efficient sustainable smart applications, and establishing the infrastructure and charging stations for electric vehicles at Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Dewa is considering cooperation with BMW to develop programmes that help consolidate sustainability, raise environmental awareness, and support the Green Charger initiative. Dewa is also working with real estate developers, including Emaar and Nakheel, DSOA, and Dubai Design District (D3) to determine the most appropriate sites to set up electric vehicle charging stations across Dubai. Dewa is working to launch 84 stations by end of 2015. – TradeArabia News Service