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Dubai - Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has participated in the Electric Vehicle Conference, organised by Arabian Automobiles and French Renault Middle East to combine the efforts of the public and private sectors, and car manufacturers' agents to promote the use of electric vehicles. This will have a significant impact on the economy and environment and will support the sustainable development of the UAE.
The conference was attended by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, Michel Ayat, CEO of Arabian Automobiles AW Rostamani Group, Patrick Widloecher, Special Advisor to the CEO on Sustainable Commitment at La Poste Group, France, Thomas Orsini, Business Development Director of the Renault ZE Programme, Matthieu Tenenbaum, Managing Director and Business Development Director of Renault AMI Region, senior officials from DEWA, and electric vehicle specialists and experts.
The conference highlighted the latest developments and technologies in the electric vehicle industry, and the challenges it faces. It also discussed mechanisms for promoting electric vehicle economic viability and the incentives offered by car manufacturers' agents and service providers to encourage people to buy electric vehicles instead of vehicles operating on hydrocarbon fuel.
"In October 2013, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Smart Dubai initiative to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world within three years, by implementing 100 initiatives and 1,000 smart services that enhance the quality of life in the Emirate and achieve its sustainable development. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has launched three strategic ground-breaking initiatives: Shams Dubai, to generate solar energy in buildings and connect them to DEWA's grid, installing smart meters and networks, and establishing the infrastructure to build electric vehicle charging stations, which we call Green Charger. These initiatives will effectively contribute to the UAE Vision 2021, and the Dubai Plan 2021 to transform Dubai into an integrated smart city that sustainably manages its resources and environment. The Smart initiatives will also help create a smarter and better future for all the inhabitants of the Emirate of Dubai," said Al Tayer in his keynote speech.
"Last February, DEWA inaugurated the first electric vehicle charging station in Dubai, at its main office. This pioneering initiative will greatly support DEWA's efforts to reduce the carbon footprint, protect the environment, and drive Dubai's sustainable development forward. The first phase of the project includes installing 16 charging 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. 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. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2015," added Al Tayer.
"DEWA is keen to promote the Green Charger initiative with the cooperation with car manufacturers' agents, national airports, shopping malls, petrol stations, Dubai Municipality, RTA, hotels, and owners and operators of parking lots in Dubai. DEWA is also working with real estate developers, including Emaar and Nakheel, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Fashion District D3 to determine the most appropriate sites to set up electric vehicle charging stations across Dubai."
Al Tayer noted that DEWA will build 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. These are fast-charging stations that take 30 minutes, medium-charging stations that take 4 hours, and home-charging stations that take 6 to 8 hours.
"With the increase in numbers of electric cars that are produced, we see the need for charging stations. The development of these stations will be of interest to all stakeholders, as it is a new field of investment in the region. Dubai Silicon Oasis installed its first charging station for electric vehicles at an event held at its headquarters last April, in collaboration with DEWA. We look forward to seeing more initiatives from our various stakeholders in Dubai in the future," said Al Tayer.
"At DEWA, we are committed to delivering the necessary infrastructure for electric vehicles to facilitate and accelerate the process of its deployment in local markets, in addition to maintaining a clean and sustainable environment," concluded Al Tayer.
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For more information, please contact:
Ribal Dayekh or Noora Khoory
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
+9714 307 2006 or 515 1784
ribal.dayekh@dewa.gov.ae
noora.khoory@dewa.gov.ae
Mutasem Shadid or Mazen Alebrahem
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
+9714 450 7675 or 450 7613
Mutasem.shadid@bm.com
Mazen.Alebrahem@bm.com
© Press Release 2015
