The sessions of the second day of the 24th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show (DSS) focused on electric vehicles, green hydrogen, smart cities, and clean and renewable energy. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) hosted 39 specialised seminars and panel discussions run by prominent experts and specialists from around the world, during the second day of the exhibition. DEWA organises the exhibition 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, from 27 to 29 September, at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Halls 1 to 8, Arena Halls 1 and 2, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 and 3.
During “HID, the next breakthrough in desalination?” session, Thomas Altmann is the EVP for Innovation and New Technology at ACWA Power said: “As a leader and a champion of transformation ACWA Power is highly focused on decarbonisation to build a more sustainable future. Over the past a few years ACWA Power was able to achieve several break throughs, including the world’s largest CSP plant in the UAE, and world’s lowest CSP tariff in the UAE. The desalination requires a transformation and a new paradigm shift to optimise energy efficiency. Our efforts are focused on several aspects such as reducing the power to 2 kWh/m3 and reducing the total cost of desalination. Our new Hydraulic Injection Desalination (HID) technology can help us achieve these goals, while reducing the brine, which is normally the by-product of the desalination process.”
At “Non-Metallic Composite Pipes : A Cost-Efficient Solution for Potable Water Networks” session, Vinod Sivaraman, the Regional Technical Senior Manager of Future Pipe Industries said: “Thermoplastic Composite Pipes (TCP) offer many advantages when compared to metallic pipes in water networks, including their full corrosion resistance, high flexibility and their ability to withstand high pressures. These pipes can be manufactured in lengths up to 1100m, and they are very easy to transport and install. They offer great value due to their long life cycle and zero-maintenance requirements.
“Our proprietary state-of-the-art melt-fusing manufacturing process produces a composite structure with the fibres fully embedded in the polymer matrix, which ensures the proper interface between the different pipe layers. We are also introducing our Glass reinforced epoxy (GRE) pipes which offer many benefits including their chemical resistance, lightweight, and long life cycle, providing better hydraulic performance and reduced energy needed to circulate the fluids,” he added.
At “Disrupting / Emerging / Innovative Technologies in Energy, Water and Environment” session, Rajakumar Sridhar, Customer & Solution Advisory with SAP said: “As we look into the transformation across the world’s energy generation spectrum, we realise that the utility industry is being shaped by disruptive changes on all industry, cities and municipalities, and end consumer levels. Such changes include an increased focus on sustainability, the development of smart cities and electrifying the transportation grid, and increased awareness from end-users about the role of renewable energy.”
“As the market dynamics shift, we must be ready to embrace the change and offer a more transparent and efficient means to drive operational excellence. SAP is ready with its E-Mobility solution, which allows utilities to become both a charge point operator and an e-mobility service provider. Our solution offers several key features, including simple and efficient charge point device management, fully transparent charge session management, EV badge management, and detailed overview of charge point statistics,” he added.
During “Clean Energy (Green Hydrogen)” session, Agnel Cheruvathoor, from SIEMENS Energy said: “As a leading player in the clean and renewable energy industry, Siemens Energy is focusing on addressing the key challenges facing the scalability and growth of green hydrogen production through electrolysis, allowing this technology to become market-ready. We are working on developing scalable technology platforms, learning from each project we implement, and prepare the value-add networks and supply chains to be able to scale up, building on a suitable infrastructure.
“Our expertise in electrolysis technology is constantly evolving, as we are targeting a plant based on our Silyzer 300 system capable of producing 100 MW. The Silyzer 300 offers a simple process with natural circulation, providing several advantages including zero pumps, zero hydrogen loss, zero pressurised vessels, and zero nitrogen consumption during the production process,” he added.
At “An Integrated Approach to Energy Management” session, Fahad Mohamed, the Director – Dubai & NE with Adeeb Group said: “ADEEB’s vision has always been to be a leading player in the facilities management & MEP contracting industry and to perform our duties with excellence that matches and exceeds our clients’ expectations. The key challenge that is facing our industry is the increased impact on climate change driven by the increased demand.
“Our solutions build upon several aspects, including data collection and analytics, focus on renewable energy, electrifying transportation, and implementing a organisation-wide initiatives.
“With the regulatory support of the UAE’s wise leadership, renewable energy is receiving a major boost that is promoting the implementation of several projects, including the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.”
At “Global Outlook – Digital Transformation to a Digital World” session, Mohamed Obaid Alsharid, appointed the Chief Digital Officer under the Innovation & The Future Division, at DEWA; Walid Yehia, the Senior Director of Client Solutions for Dell Technologies; Safder Nazir, the Head of Huawei’s Digital Industry Center of Excellence; and Garsen Naidu, the Director, Specialist, and Architectures at Cisco Middle East and Africa, talked about digital transformation at DEWA.
“DEWA, a utility company, setting up a digital arm, was a global first, a move ahead to reshape the future of utilities. The strong leadership and vision, as well as the talent pools, are combined with the culture that does not recognise the impossible,” said Walid Yehia.
“DEWA’s digital transformation was a surprise to me, and we are very happy to be a part of this journey to achieve this goal. This transformation fits perfectly into Dubai’s and the UAE’s vision and ambition to become a hub for smart and digital cities,” said Safder Nazir.
“In innovative initiatives, such as Digital DEWA, we need to be looking forward. You can change structures in your business model and understand the impact. Agility comes as a result of a culture of understanding that change is possible. Putting the customer experience at the centre of this change, allows organisations to develop a growth mindset, creating a safe platform for innovation,” said Garsen Naidu.
Source: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority