WETEX 2015 to highlight role of clean coal in energy production

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is focusing on projects to meet increasing demand for sustainable energy. These efforts support the vision of Dubai's wise leadership, the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, and DEWA's commitment to the highest international sustainability standards. As part of this strategy, DEWA launched the Hassyan Clean Coal Power Project to produce electricity using clean coal based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model with a 1,200MW production capacity in the first phase that is expected to be operational by 2020.
"The Hassyan Clean Coal Power Project reflects our commitment to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to diversify the energy mix. Last year, we awarded the consultancy service contract for the first phase to an international consultant. This was a major step in implementing the energy diversification strategy approved by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, which focuses on producing electricity from clean coal as part of Dubai's energy portfolio. Through these projects, we fulfil Dubai's increasing energy demand and contribute to the sustainable development of the Emirate," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, DEWA.
Al Tayer emphasised that DEWA is a role model in performance, efficiency, productivity, and providing electricity and water services according to the highest international reliability and availability standards that surpass the highest international standards. DEWA works to diversify energy sources and increase the percentage of renewable energy. He explained that the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 initially set the percentage of renewable energy in Dubai's energy mix to be 1% by 2020 and 5% by 2030. Since then, DEWA has raised the target to 7 % by 2020 and 15 % by 2030.
Investments in the energy sector are approximately Dh 56 billion for the next five years in enhancing production of water, electricity, renewable energy, smart grids, and their transmission and distribution networks. The investments cover several projects, including the infrastructure costs for the Expo 2020 preparations, estimated at Dh 2.6 billion.
"As a large part of electricity produced globally comes through the use of coal, which produces carbon dioxide, the strategy of using clean coal seeks to raise the efficiency of coal combustion with lower emissions," added Al Tayer.
In December 2014, and in response to global developers' requests, DEWA extended the bid deadline for the first phase of the Hassyan Clean Coal Power Project to 26 March 2015. This reflects the growing interest in sustainable energy and diversifying its sources while preserving the environment and achieving the sustainable development and building a green economy according to a unique system in the region for sustainable development.
Organised by DEWA, the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2015), highlights using clean coal as an energy source, and its significance in environmental sustainability and green economy, as well as its pivotal role in the production of electricity.
WETEX 2015 will be organised under the umbrella of Green Week from 21–23 April at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, in conjunction with the World Green Economy Summit, which aims to further strengthen Dubai's position as a global hub for green economy and sustainability.
Al Tayer, who is also the President and Founder of WETEX, points out that the exhibition presents an excellent opportunity to showcase DEWA's Hassyan Clean Coal Power Project and the plan to use clean coal to produce electricity. This is done with a futuristic look that depends on renewable and environmentally-friendly sources to produce energy. The clean coal technologies and the leading Hassyan Clean Coal Power Project will be showcased at WETEX 2015, in response to international interest in these technologies.
WETEX provides a unique platform for investment opportunities in sectors like water, energy and environment. The exhibition also focuses on promoting innovative solutions and technologies in water and energy areas, including the use of clean coal as an ideal alternative for energy, environment, oil and gas, and environmental sustainability.
Experts and exhibitors from companies, organisations, and institutions from around the world will meet at WETEX. They will be able to look closely at the model and goals of Hassyan Clean Coal Power Project, and exchange expertise and put forward ideas for further enhancing the concept of clean coal and its technologies, to achieve the desired goal of reducing carbon emissions, and an optimal level of environmental sustainability.
WETEX supports the UAE strategy for green growth and the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, to establish the UAE as a world leader in the green economy. The exhibition also supports innovation in these fields. Production of energy from clean coal is one of the main innovations in the energy sector in the world today.