Dewa inaugurates simulator for power generation plants

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), has inaugurated the simulator and training centre at its Jebel Ali Power Plant and Desalination Complex.

The centre, which Dewa built in collaboration with Siemens, is the first-of-its-kind in the region and the biggest Siemens simulator of-its-kind worldwide. It aims to enhance the capabilities of engineers and technicians at Dewa.

Al Tayer noted that the Simulator and Training Centre will contribute to consolidating Emiratisation of engineering and technical jobs at Dewa, providing a unique experience to those working in the Generation division. This is achieved using state-of-the-art technologies and best international practices that enable trainees to experience real-life conditions and provide them with the skills needed for dealing with different circumstances.

“This is to prepare an Emirati generation capable of leading the energy and water sectors. We are committed to the ongoing development of the capabilities of Dewa’s staff, and providing them with the best training programmes to keep them up to date with the latest technologies and the best international standards. This helps them keep pace with the rapid developments in electricity and water production, ensuring the best standards of excellence, quality, reliability, and efficiency.”

In turn, Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation at Dewa, noted that the training programme aims to develop the capabilities of engineers and technicians in energy generation through theoretical and practical lessons about the operations, control, and maintenance in the power plants, and through interactive training on the simulators. “This gives the trainees a full picture of the work environment in the power plants,” he added. Training also includes workshops and brainstorming sessions about problem-solving and innovative solution development.

Meanwhile the Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), welcomed a high-level delegation from the Swedish Council for Trade and Investment, headed by Henrik Landerholm, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to the UAE.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ways and areas of cooperation and exchange of experiences and expertise, to enhance Dubai’s position as a global centre for finance, business, trade, tourism, and the green economy.

Al Tayer welcomed the Ambassador and the delegation, emphasising the importance of joint cooperation between the UAE and the Kingdom of Sweden. Al Tayer also stressed the importance of cooperation between Dewa and Swedish organisations for sharing best experiences in the sectors of energy, water, and sustainability, to further develop these areas and mutually benefit from shared experiences.

Al Tayer presented Dewa’s latest projects and achievements, locally and globally, and its active role in promoting sustainable development in Dubai. He also briefed the visiting delegation on Dewa’s projects, initiatives, and plans, to achieve the vision of the wise leadership by creating a future model for utilities in the production, transmission, and distribution of electricity and water. Al Tayer also stressed that Dewa has investments worth over Dhs86 billion over the next five years to meet the growing demand for electricity and water in Dubai, and has an installed daily capacity of 11,100 megawatts (MW) of electricity and 470 million gallons of water.

Al Tayer explained that Dewa is working to achieve the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, to secure its energy supply, by diversifying the energy mix to provide 75 per cent of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy by 2050.  Dewa has launched several projects and initiatives to achieve this objective such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world with a production capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030, of which 4,000MW will be from photovoltaic solar panels and 1,000MW from concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies.

WAM/Agencies