The sessions of WETEX and DSS 2023 highlight different aspects of sustainability

The specialised sessions organised during the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show (DSS) 2023 focused on different aspects of sustainability and innovative solutions for water production and purification, and sustainability in the real estate sector.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is organising WETEX and DSS 2023, under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, from 15-17 November 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

In 'Unleashing the Power of the Sun: A Journey through Renewable Energy Deployment in the MENA Region' session, Diala Hawila, Programme Officer, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), said, "The UAE and Saudi Arabia are strengthening their efforts toward climate action and carbon neutrality. The two countries are especially interested in green hydrogen. The UAE has an advanced position in transitioning to solar energy, showcasing notable investments in both number and size. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are among the leading countries in the field of solar energy, actively supporting regional countries unable to afford it, thereby directly contributing to the region's green transformation. In addition, ongoing projects, especially in green hydrogen, offer increased investment opportunities. There is an increased international cooperation, particularly in crafting innovation policies between the public and private sectors, as well as their increasing role in achieving flexibility in the electricity generation system."

In the 'The role of communications and stories to create more impactful outcomes - giving people permission to do something different' session, James Duthie, Co-Founder, Sustainability Leadership Forum, emphasised the critical role of communication in addressing environmental degradation. He highlighted the challenges arising from the exponential growth in population, urbanisation, and consumption, which have led to pollution, waste, and depletion of natural resources. Duthie pointed out the alarming rate at which humanity consumes natural resources, exceeding the planet's ability to replenish them. He also discussed the significant decline in biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems. Additionally, Duthie noted that many organisations are failing to fulfil their sustainability promises due to inadequate governance. Duthie's insights underline the need for responsible communication strategies and sustainable practices to combat the challenges of environmental degradation and to ensure the survival of contemporary brands.

In 'Empowering Youth in Climate Advocacy: Amplifying Voices for a Sustainable Future' session, Marjan Faraidooni, Chief- Education & Culture & CHRO, Expo City Dubai, emphasised sustainability during the planning of Expo 2020 Dubai, with a focus on engaging youth in developing ideas for the environment and climate.

Dana Darwish, Senior Consultant - ESG Advisory, WSP in the Middle East, highlighted the challenge of garnering belief in sustainability efforts amidst global political events, emphasising the pivotal role of youth. Sarah Abdullah, a Clean Energy Expert, expressed pride in the UAE's work and preparation for COP28, aiming to consolidate values and initiatives promoting sustainability. Sarah Alharthey, Executive Manager & Board Member, ACWA Power, discussed the difficulty in convincing the world about environmental efforts amid wars and climate change, emphasising their shared impact on humanity.

Ali Abdullah Alshimmari, International Assets Manager - GCC of TAQA, stressed the universal role of individuals in preserving the planet, beyond governments, aligning with the UAE's focus on hosting COP28.

In 'Innovative Technology with Home Grown Solutions', Michael Rutman, Director of Marketing, Baynunah Water Generation Technologies, highlighted the innovative technology manufactured using local resources. He gave an example Ma Hua initiative developed by Baynunah Water Generation Technologies. During his talk, Rutman highlighted the various water sources enabled by technology, particularly considering the significant challenge of water scarcity. "This technology allows you to drive your car while it generates and purifies water, making it drinkable. It was developed in the UAE, and currently, it is being used by international companies," he added.

'Hydrogen is often considered as a solution to the global warming problem. In all our projects, sustainability is the primary criterion for implementation, said Rabi Solh, Sales Manager, Gulf Eternit Industries, at the 'Clean Energy (Green Hydrogen)' session.

At 'Sustainability Challenges in Real Estate Markets and Urban Property Development', the participants emphasised the critical impact of cities, home to over 60% of the global population, on environmental sustainability. Cities were revealed as major contributors to waste generation, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions. The panel underscored the pivotal role of the real estate sector in steering sustainability efforts. Developers are strategically addressing emissions reduction by integrating green technologies and enhancing energy efficiency throughout the entire project lifecycle, from planning to construction. The session highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach encompassing education, urban planning, building efficiency, and instilling a sense of responsibility.

Furthermore, the discussion delved into the adoption of photovoltaic solutions as a key strategy for achieving cost-effective sustainability and reducing emissions in buildings. The panel explored industry initiatives to minimise waste and promote recycling, emphasising the significance of thoughtful deconstruction planning and supply chain logistics.

At the 'Storage Supercharge: Empowering the Grid with Renewable Energy Integration through Cutting-Edge Storage Solutions!' session, Dr. Raed Bkayrat, Founder and Senior Advisor, Sunergy Advisory, highlighted the challenges faced by the sector and how storage can facilitate the successful integration of renewable energy, leading to a more robust grid.

During the session, Krzysztof Ignaciuk, Director at Apricum, shared his insights on improving the integration between renewable energy and storage. He discussed overcoming technical and regulatory challenges and highlighted innovative solutions that can shape the future of the grid.

Armando Dominioni, from DEWA, discussed overcoming technical and regulatory obstacles in integrating renewable energy. He emphasised the significance of storage solutions in achieving successful integration.

Bruce Smith, Strategy and Planning Executive Director at EWEC, discussed achieving commercial success by integrating technical capabilities and business strategies in network integration. He emphasised the company's investments in innovation and smart grid technologies to enhance the efficiency of the energy system.

Mohammed Ayoub, Grid Solutions - Power Transmission Services GM of GE Vernova, highlighted the contribution of storage in improving the grid's ability to transmit and distribute energy. He focused on smart grid solutions and advanced technology, noting that his company's pioneering initiatives are pushing the boundaries in developing sustainable solutions to enhance network performance.

Rizwan Razaq, Chief Technology Officer of Huawei Technologies, shared his vision of integrating technology into the field of renewable energy. He discussed Huawei's role in providing innovative technology solutions to improve grid efficiency and energy integration. He also expressed Huawei's commitment to enhancing partner cooperation for a more intelligent and efficient energy system.

At the 'Power to X' session, Siemens shed light on the green hydrogen project, which relies on solar photovoltaic energy. They also discussed the Silyzer 300, the latest and most powerful product line in the double-digit megawatt class in the PEM electrolysis portfolio from Siemens. The Silyzer 300 is designed to reduce investment costs and streamline project stages.

Those interested can register to attend the activities via www.wetex.ae

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