As part of comprehensive sustainability programme, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) will see the installation of a 1.2MW photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant spanning circa 10,500 sq m and featuring around 4,500 PV modules, to generate an estimated 1,800 MWh/year
The electricity will cater for 60 x 1-bedroom apartment equivalent residential unit requirements annually. The planned photovoltaic system is being designed as a noiseless and uniquely environment-friendly solution that not only maximises the capture of solar energy within a desert environment, but also looks at addresing issues around cost-effective conversion to power, unaided by mechanical movement and fossil fuels.
The DWTC seeks to be a benchmark in fully integrated, new-age renewable energy solutions across its developments.
As an integral part of this strategic agenda, DWTC has conducted an exhaustive feasibility study to develop a prioritised programme for the deployment of its various components across the real estate assets, both in the Trade Centre and Jebel Ali locations.
Within the DWTC complex, the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), internationally recognised as the emirate?s anchor destination for the international business community, is planned to be the flagship asset that will incorporate next-generation technologies for optimisation of solar power as well as the latest energy conservation methods, innovatively leveraging the expansive rooftops and facades of the halls that are part of the long-term conference and exhibition facilities within the development.
Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of department of tourism & commerce marketing (DTCM) and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), said, ?DWTC?s commitment to contributing to the UAE?s clean energy agenda is exemplified in our deployment of pioneering sustainable and renewable energy solutions across the DWTC complex. The integral convention and exhibition assets in particular will spearhead our efforts to drive innovation and be the future global benchmark for sustainability, as it is aligned with Dubai?s master plan for a green future. The detailed feasibility study aims to incorporate next generation technologies for the exhibition halls that will be part of the retained permanent event and conference facilities within the DWTC complex.?
One Central, DWTC?s newest iconic mixed-use development has pioneered sustainability as part of phase 1 of the wider programme with its investments in solar rooftop technologies and innovative clean energy solutions. The project that has already been awarded LEED Gold Status is expected to generate 58 percent of its hot water demand by utilising PV cells within the skylights of its commercial assets, solar panel rooftops and flat plate collectors.
DWTC has further announced plans to build a solar-powered six-storey car park, extending the application of the efficient solar rooftop technology, making the structure operable on natural resources and dramatically reducing its carbon footprint by adding flat plate collectors. All initiatives that have been assessed and outlined as part of the strategic DWTC renewable energy and sustainability programme for implementation across One Central, the DICEC complex and the Jebel Ali development, follow the Dubai Green Building Regulations and renewable energy guidelines from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
The Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, as announced by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, prioritises the utilisation of sustainable energy in its commitment to making Dubai the city with the least carbon footprint in the world within the next three decades.
