WETEX concludes with unprecedented success
The 26th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX), organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), from 1 to 3 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) concluded with unprecedented success. This year's edition witnessed the participation of 2,800 exhibitors from 65 countries. The exhibition hosted 21 international pavilions from 14 countries.
DEWA organises WETEX annually under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy. WETEX is the region's largest and one of the world’s largest specialised exhibitions for water, energy, green development, sustainability, decarbonisation, green mobility, sustainable cities and other related sectors.
“The success achieved by WETEX is a clear reflection of the future-forward vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to consolidate Dubai’s leading position as a global hub for clean and renewable energy and the green economy, as well as a platform for launching the latest technologies and innovative solutions that enhance sustainability and contribute to supporting sustainable development. WETEX 2024 provided a unique opportunity for local and global companies and organisations to showcase their products and services, while also offering a leading platform for investors and sponsors to build business relationships, enhance business opportunities and meet top companies and decision-makers from around the world. The success of WETEX reaffirms the importance of providing a platform that fosters collaboration between the public and private sectors, and supports innovation in the sustainability sector. We look forward to continuing this positive momentum in future editions, ensuring that Dubai remains at the forefront of global efforts to shape a more sustainable and prosperous future for us and for generations to come,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA and Founder and Chairman of WETEX.
Empowering start-ups
WETEX provides an opportunity to empower start-ups in the UAE and around the world to explore the future of green energy and benefit from the most successful experiences and best global expertise in the energy and water sectors. It also allows them to understand market needs, especially with the significant expansion in the adoption of clean and renewable energy technologies in the UAE and the region.
Seminars and workshops
On the sidelines of the 26th WETEX, more than 130 specialised sessions and panel discussions were held, featuring leading experts and specialists from around the world. These sessions highlighted innovation, sustainability, clean energy, electric vehicles (EVs), water treatment and waste management, green mobility, climate strategies, digital integration in energy, decarbonisation, climate finance, digital transformation, smart cities, emerging technologies, as well as environmental, social and governance (ESG) and more. The Leadership Roundtable sessions were also organised, featuring leading speakers and key players in various fields such as AI, green mobility and EVs, and innovation in water management. The speakers discussed key challenges and opportunities facing the sustainability, energy and water sectors, and the role of decision-makers in enhancing collaboration between the public and private sectors, and shaping policies that support global climate action. Additionally, they explored the use of modern technologies to advance sustainability efforts.
New zones in WETEX
WETEX dedicated a Green Mobility Zone, for the first time. It featured a range of companies specialising in sustainable transport, to highlight innovative solutions and the latest technologies in individual and public transport. Additionally, a Health and Safety Hub was introduced for the first time, aimed at raising awareness about the latest safety technologies and practices. This hub included various sections, such as interactive workshops, panel discussions, a children's safety corner, and a competitions and games area to test knowledge and encourage innovation in health and safety procedures.
DEWA’s leading projects and initiatives
The DEWA projects, initiatives and digital services that were on show at WETEX will help to realise the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to produce 100% of the Emirate’s energy capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. During the exhibition, DEWA highlighted several projects, including:
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is the largest single-site solar park in the world based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model. The current production capacity at the solar park is 2,860MW, using the latest photovoltaic solar panels and CSP technologies, with 1,800MW under construction, bringing total production capacity to 4,660MW by 2026, after the 1,800MW sixth phase is completed. By 2030, around 27% of Dubai’s energy production capacity will come from clean and renewable sources.
DEWA has secured two new Guinness World Records in the Fourth Phase of the solar park: the tallest solar tower in the world, at 263.126 metres, and the largest thermal energy storage capacity with a capacity of 5,907 megawatt hours (MWh).
Green Hydrogen Project
The Green Hydrogen project implemented by DEWA at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is the first project of its kind in the MENA region to produce hydrogen using solar power, with a gas tank that can store up to 12 hours of hydrogen produced using solar power, a pioneering step towards a more sustainable future. Since its launch in 2021, DEWA has achieved its production goals, producing around 20kg of hydrogen an hour. The project has been designed to accommodate future applications and testing platforms for various uses of hydrogen. DEWA won the Hydrogen Project of the Year 2023 Award for its Green Hydrogen project. This was part of the Hydrogen Future Awards 2023, organised during the Connecting Green Hydrogen MENA (CGHM2023) conference in Dubai, highlighting international appreciation for DEWA’s innovative efforts.
Hassyan Seawater Reverse Osmosis Independent Water Producer Project
This project is the world’s largest of its kind in reverse-osmosis (RO) desalination of seawater using solar energy and the first project by DEWA based on the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model. The project will have a production capacity of 180 million gallons of desalinated water per day using reverse-osmosis technology. The total investment for the project amounts to AED 3.357 billion (USD 914 million).
Pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta
The pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant that DEWA is implementing in Hatta has a planned capacity of 250MW, a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours and a lifespan of up to 80 years. The project is the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf, with an investment of up to AED 1.421 billion.
Smart Grid
Among the key success factors of smart cities is the seamlessness availability of round-the-clock integrated and connected services. The Smart Grid that DEWA is implementing, with a total investment of AED 7 billion, is one of the tools to achieve this goal. This is provided by the smart grid, which ensures two-way communication between the utility and its customers. The smart grid allows the monitoring of various components of power and water networks and provides advanced features that include automated decision-making capabilities and interoperability across the entire electricity and water network to ensure smooth, fast and efficient operations.
Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project
When completed, the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project will enable the storage and retrieval of up to 6 billion imperial gallons of water, making it the largest of its kind in the world. This technology will create a strategic reserve, capable of supplying the Emirate of Dubai with over 50 million gallons of water a day for 90 days during emergencies. Furthermore, it ensures the safety of the stored water, protecting it from external influences.
Sustainability and Innovation Centre
DEWA’s Sustainability and Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is a global incubator for innovation in various fields of clean and renewable energy. It also provides a unique educational environment by organising programmes and hosting activities throughout the year, building strategic partnerships with major local and international organisations and universities, as well as enhancing awareness on sustainability.
The Sustainability and Innovation Centre provides visitors with a unique experience to explore the latest innovation in sustainability and clean energy technology. The exhibition area on the first floor focuses on DEWA’s journey, key historical inventions and innovation in electricity, as well as the latest developments in renewable and sustainable energy. Visitors can watch innovative drone and hologram shows. Using Metaverse technology, the Centre provides a unique experience that allows visitors to go on a virtual tour of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
EV Green Charger Initiative
DEWA launched the EV Green Charger Initiative in 2014 to support Dubai’s efforts to become the smartest and happiest city in the world and promote green mobility. By August 2024, the number of green charging stations exceeded 700, in collaboration with stakeholders, including around 400 green charging stations operated by DEWA. This number will increase in the coming years.
Rammas
Supported by ChatGPT technology, DEWA’s virtual employee enhances customer experience, thanks to its superior ability to interact with users and better understand their needs. DEWA is the world’s first utility and the first UAE government entity to use this technology as part of its continuous efforts to strengthen its leading position locally and globally.