In conversation with Saeed Mohammed Al-Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)
Why is the 10th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) especially important this year?
The 10th WGES is particularly significant as it marks a decade of global leadership in green economy discussions, aligning with the UAE’s strong commitment to climate action. The theme for this year’s summit, “Empowering Global Action: Unlocking Opportunities and Advancing Progress,” emphasises the importance of global collaboration in addressing climate challenges and fostering sustainable development.
How are the themes of WGES 2024 building on the outcomes of Cop28?
WGES 2024 is poised to build upon the significant outcomes of Cop28, showcasing the continued global commitment to address the pressing challenges of climate change. At the heart of WGES 2024 is the theme of decarbonisation and net zero. In the wake of 2023 being the warmest year on record, the summit will delve into carbon capture and storage strategies, case studies on decarbonising the economy and the transition to low-carbon processes.
Complementing this focus, the summit will also highlight advancements in clean energy. Building on the momentum from Cop28, WGES 2024 will showcase the expansion of renewable energy adoption, including solar, wind, geothermal and nuclear power, as well as the development of green hydrogen and energy storage systems. The discussions will also explore the enablers of innovation in this critical domain.
Climate finance remains a crucial component and WGES 2024 will address the funding for climate resilience and adaptation, carbon pricing, as well as the gap in funding capabilities and responsibilities between developed and developing countries. The summit will also discuss the progress of initiatives started at Cop28, such as the $30bn Alterra fund, as a means of driving further action.
The transition to a circular economy will be a significant focus at WGES 2024, with a deep dive into the UAE Circular Economy Policy. Discussions will focus on sustainable manufacturing, green infrastructure, sustainable transport, sustainable food production and consumption, as well as efforts to move beyond recycling and towards a comprehensive approach to reusing resources.
Recognising the importance of policy and regulatory frameworks, WGES 2024 will address global and local political issues relevant to climate action, including “green backlash” trends, resource security, lessons from Cop28, and the need for strengthened international co-operation on climate mitigation.
Furthermore, the summit will explore the opportunities presented by innovation, such as artificial intelligence and district cooling, to tackle the challenges of climate change, building on the recognition of technology’s pivotal role established at Cop28.
Addressing the inter-generational gap, WGES 2024 will place a strong emphasis on the role of youths in climate change – a key focus at Cop28 – and highlight their participation in research, projects and discussions to drive innovative solutions. The summit will seek to ensure that young voices remain central in shaping climate policies.
Additionally, the summit will delve into the critical issues of food and water security, exploring strategies to meet growing agricultural needs, reduce emissions in the food system, tackle food waste and learn from regenerative agriculture practices – all with the aim of ensuring access and sustainability in these vital areas.
WGES 2024 will build on the historic UAE Consensus on climate change that puts the world on the right climate action path to protect humanity and Earth, and preserve natural resources.
The landmark agreement recognised the need for deep, rapid and sustainable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and the necessary measures to limit global warming.
By connecting Cop28 outcomes with actionable strategies, WGES acts as a bridge between Cop28 and Cop29, strengthening global co-operation and ensuring the momentum towards climate neutrality continues.
What are Dubai’s plans for expanding its clean energy portfolio and infrastructure? Can you share some details on upcoming projects?
The emirate is accelerating its clean energy initiatives to meet the ambitious targets of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, aiming for 100% clean energy production capacity by 2050. Central to this effort is the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar project based on the independent power producer model, with a planned capacity of over 5,000MW by 2030. The solar park is being implemented by DEWA.
The 950MW fourth phase of the solar park integrates advanced technology such as concentrated solar power. Notably, this phase features the world’s tallest solar tower, standing at 262.44 metres, and the largest single-site thermal storage capacity, enabling continuous energy generation even when sunlight is unavailable.
The ongoing 1,800MW fifth phase of the solar park will be commissioned in stages until 2026. Additionally, Dubai is pioneering green hydrogen production with the construction of the region’s first industrial-scale, solar-powered green hydrogen plant at the solar park. DEWA’s installed capacity now stands at 16,779MW of electricity. This includes 2,860MW from solar sources. This is about 17% of Dubai’s total power generation capacity.
Dubai is also investing in the Hatta pumped-storage hydroelectric plant, the first of its kind in the GCC, which will have a power capacity of 250MW and a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, supporting the emirate’s clean energy goals.
How is Dubai working towards greener and more efficient desalinated water production?
Dubai is advancing towards greener and more efficient water desalination powered by renewable energy through major projects such as the Hassyan seawater reverse osmosis plant, led by DEWA. This plant will have a capacity of 180 million imperial gallons a day (MIGD) using solar power, making it the largest of its kind globally. By 2030, DEWA aims to increase its reverse osmosis capacity to 303 MIGD as part of its broader strategy to reach a capacity of 735 MIGD and ensure that 100% of desalinated water is produced using clean energy and waste heat.
How does DEWA’s Hatta project revolutionise electricity production in Dubai?
The Hatta pumped storage project represents a significant leap in Dubai’s renewable energy push. This project has a capacity of 250MW and 1,500 megawatt-hours of storage. It uses water from both Hatta Dam and an upper reservoir in the mountains to generate clean energy. Turbines are rotated by water flowing from the upper reservoir through a 1.2km tunnel, with a turnaround efficiency of 78.9%. The station is fully powered by clean energy, primarily sourced from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Solar Park, and is integral to Dubai’s strategy to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050.
How is WGES addressing decarbonisation as a key thematic pillar this year?
Decarbonisation is a central focus of WGES 2024, reflecting the growing global urgency to reduce carbon emissions across industries. This year’s summit will emphasise the use of clean energy technology, including advancements in green hydrogen and energy storage. Additionally, discussions will centre on supportive policies and frameworks that support the transition to low-carbon economies. By showcasing best practice and fostering collaboration between governments, businesses and NGOs, WGES 2024 aims to accelerate global decarbonisation efforts and make significant strides towards achieving net-zero emissions.
What are the next steps following WGES 2024?
The next steps should focus on turning the summit’s discussions into actionable outcomes. We hope that the work done during the summit will drive significant advancements in decarbonisation, encouraging more industries to adopt clean technology and reduce emissions. In climate finance, the aim is to see increased investment in sustainable projects, particularly in developing regions. Similarly, we aspire for the circular economy initiatives discussed to inspire more efforts in reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency. Our goal is for these outcomes to lead to impactful progress across all thematic pillars.
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