DUBAI, 27th March, 2017 (WAM) -- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, DEWA, has signed an MoU with GE Additive to collaborate on 3D printing, additive manufacturing and digital technologies in line with DEWAs vision to be a sustainable, innovative, world-class utility and strengthen the efficiency of electricity generation, distribution and transmission.

The MoU was signed at DEWAs head office by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO of DEWA, and Mohamed Ehteshami, Vice President for Additive Integration at GE Additive.

"The Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, is a unique global initiative that aims to exploit technology for the service of humanity and promote the status of the UAE and Dubai as a leading hub of 3D printing technology by 2030. We are working to keep pace with this strategy through accelerators and incubators that are creating prototypes, technological solutions and renewable energy technologies, in collaboration with the most successful international expertise," said Al Tayer.

"Through our research and development initiatives, we are optimising the potential of 3D printing and other technologies, and we are currently working to establish a research and development, R&D, centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, with a total investment of AED500 million up to 2020. The work of the centre revolves around four main areas of operation, which include the production of electricity from solar energy, smart grid integration, energy efficiency, and water. The MoU with GE will enable us to develop Made in Dubai future technologies that contribute to increased operational efficiency and productivity," added Al Tayer.

"The landmark MoU with DEWA marks a first-of-its-kind partnership by GE in the region with a utility provider to collaborate and co-create 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies. Industrial Internet and additive manufacturing are the next-generation technologies that bring unprecedented levels of productivity for our partners by developing complex industrial parts that are lighter, durable and more efficient with less waste," said Ehteshami.

The two entities will integrate international perspectives and methodologies, as well as enhance the tools used for national, regional and global energy and climate change studies, coordinate joint research for specific studies that are identified, and create a highly leveraged partnership that utilises the expertise, experience, and capabilities of both entities for analysis and policy support.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.