Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Philips Lighting, on the sidelines of the 18th Water Technology, Energy and Environment Exhibition (Wetex 2016) in Dubai.

The move is part of Dewa’s efforts to enhance innovation and support green development in Dubai.

This will enhance co-operation, and exchange skills and knowledge about the latest connected lighting systems and services for buildings, in addition to reducing energy consumption, said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the managing director and chief executive of Dewa, after signing the agreement with Paolo Cervini, the president of Philips Lighting, Middle East and Turkey.

"This supports our efforts to achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 that shapes the energy sector in Dubai over the next three decades and provides a sustainable model for energy conservation, which supports economic growth without damaging the environment or its natural resources," he stated.

It comes at a time when Dewa has made significant advances in adopting the latest renewable and clean energy systems, smart grids and spreading sustainability, and the principles and concepts of the smart city. 

"This agreement demonstrates our commitment to ensure environmental sustainability and strengthen the mirate’s shift towards a green economy," said Al Tayer.

"We are also involved in disseminating green practices to rationalise the consumption of electricity and water in Dubai to become part of people’s lifestyles. We are glad to co-operate with Philips Lighting, one of the leading organisations committed to instilling a culture of sustainability," he added.

Cervini said for a sustainable future the society need to address the issues related to climate change.

"The more we can collaborate with like-minded partners to develop and implement the latest innovations in technology, the more solutions we can find to our planet’s most pressing issues. In collaboration with Dewa, Philips’s innovations will support Dubai in its transformation towards a smart city that is sustainable, liveable, and connected," he observed.

"Lighting is one area where we know we can make a difference, and our work with Dewa across its Jebel Ali and Al Aweer power plants has been a shining example of the gains to be made with energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) solutions for buildings, where a saving of 75 per cent has been achieved," said the top official.

"We look forward to unveiling further announcements and projects as we work towards our shared goals, particularly in the field of connected lighting," Cervini added.-TradeArabia News Service