His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), welcomed a high-level Finnish delegation led by Anna-Kaisa Heikkinen, Director General of the Department for Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America at Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in sustainability, innovation, and advanced technology.
Exploring Opportunities for Collaboration
The Finnish delegation, comprising representatives from leading companies, research institutions, and government bodies, discussed potential partnerships in key sectors, including renewable energy, smart technologies, logistics, and advanced innovations.
Advancing Clean Energy and Smart Technologies
Al Tayer praised Finland’s expertise in sustainable innovation and highlighted DEWA’s initiatives in renewable energy, green hydrogen, smart grid technologies, and digital transformation. “DEWA’s strategies align with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in clean energy and sustainability,” Al Tayer noted.
He showcased flagship projects such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar park, and other cutting-edge developments, including:
- Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) storage projects
- Battery energy storage systems
- The Green Hydrogen pilot project, the first of its kind in the MENA region, using solar energy for hydrogen production.
Focus on Water Desalination and Digital Transformation
Al Tayer outlined DEWA’s plans to achieve 100% clean energy use in water desalination through reverse osmosis technology by 2030. He also highlighted DEWA’s Digital DEWA Strategy, aiming to transform the utility into the world’s first digital utility with autonomous renewable energy systems and AI-powered services.
DEWA’s operational efficiency was emphasized, with electricity transmission and distribution losses at just 2%, water network losses at 4.6%, and the world’s lowest electricity Customer Minutes Lost (CML) per year, averaging 1.06 minutes in 2023.
Strengthening UAE-Finland Relations
Anna-Kaisa Heikkinen expressed Finland’s enthusiasm for deepening ties with the UAE and partnering with DEWA to drive innovation and sustainability initiatives. She underscored the potential for Finnish companies and institutions to contribute to DEWA’s clean energy and smart technology projects.
A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future
The meeting highlighted the importance of international collaboration in advancing sustainability and innovation. It aligns with the UAE’s vision of a greener future while fostering stronger ties between the UAE and Finland in their shared commitment to a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
