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Dubai - Last year, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launched three smart initiatives to support the Smart Dubai initiative and the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world in 3 years with 100 initiatives and 1,000 smart services that enhance the quality of life in Dubai and achieve the sustainable development of the Emirate.
DEWA's three initiatives are Shams Dubai, which connects solar energy to houses and buildings to encourage households and building owners to install photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to generate electricity. The PV solar system will be connected to DEWA's grid. This encourages the use of renewable energy and increases its share in the energy mix. The second initiative, Smart Applications and Meters, includes smart applications that use smart meters and grids that contribute to fast-service connection, fast response, and rationalise energy use. The third initiative, the Green Charger, is to establish the infrastructure to build 100 electric vehicle charging stations this year. DEWA has already completed its first phase and built 16 Green Charger stations and will install a further 84 stations by the end of 2015.
"Inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DEWA works to achieve its development goals, which support the UAE Vision 2021 and the Dubai Plan 2021. The strategic objectives of these initiatives support the long-term Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, to establish the UAE as one of the global leaders in this area, and a global hub for exporting and re-exporting green products and technologies, while maintaining a sustainable environment that supports economic growth in the long run. The initiative includes a range of programmes and policies in energy, agriculture, investment, and sustainable transport, in addition to new environmental and construction policies to raise the quality of life in the UAE," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.
"Our objective in the transition to become the smartest city in the world is to achieve the happiness of society and provide instant and seamless smart services anytime, anywhere. Dubai has all the elements to reach top positions globally and has become a leading global hub for sustainability, competitiveness, and green economy. The Green Charger initiative grid will substantially contribute to introducing electric vehicles in Dubai, boosting the use of energy resources and reducing the Emirate's carbon footprint. DEWA keeps on taking steady, confident steps towards achieving the comprehensive sustainability as envisioned by the wise leadership of Dubai and the UAE," added Al Tayer.
DEWA is currently establishing the necessary infrastructure in collaboration with several stakeholders including car manufacturers, airports, Dubai Municipality, shopping malls, petrol stations, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), hotels, car parking operators, and other facilities. DEWA opened the first charging station last February. The first phase of the EV charging project included installing 16 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. These stations are at DEWA's head office, the Sustainable Building, Al Wasl, Al Hudaiba, Burj Nahar, Umm Ramool, and Jebel Ali. These stations have been installed and are ready for use. One station has been installed in Dubai Silicon Oasis and another will be installed. 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 throughout the Emirate. The Green Charger stations in DEWA's offices will operate during customer service working hours. Stations in petrol stations and other public places such as car parks will operate round the clock.
DEWA is building 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. Types of charging stations are:
Fast charging stations: Charging takes 20-40 minutes. They will be installed in petrol stations and on highways.
Medium charging stations: Charging takes 2-4 hours. They will be installed in shopping malls, parks, offices, etc.
Home charging stations: Charging takes 6-8 hours.
Seeking to reinforce its three smart services, DEWA has engaged all stakeholders and has signed MoUs with a number of leading organisations. These included the MoU DEWA signed with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), which supports DEWA's smart initiatives such as the installation of PV panels, development of efficient sustainable smart applications, and establishing the infrastructure and charging stations for electric vehicles at Dubai Silicon Oasis. This MoU was signed after DSOA launched the comprehensive smart city project, Silicon Park.
DEWA is considering cooperation with BMW to develop programmes that help consolidate sustainability, raise environmental awareness, and support the Green Charger initiative. DEWA is also working with real estate developers, including Emaar and Nakheel, DSOA, and Dubai Design District (D3) to determine the most appropriate sites to set up electric vehicle charging stations across Dubai. DEWA is working to launch 84 stations by end of 2015.
The rate per kilowatt hour (kW/h) for charging an electric vehicle in public charging points is 29 fils per kW/h. If the vehicle is charged at home, the standard residential electricity rate will be applied. DEWA has registered the first individual user for the Green Charger stations.
Electric vehicle owners can visit any of DEWA's customer service centres to register and get the Green Charger card. The documents required for registration are the user's Emirates ID card, driver's licence and vehicle registration. Customers receive the Green Charger bills via email, which they can settle using any of DEWA's payment channels.
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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
