UAE-based solar energy company ALEC Energy has been awarded the contract to offer a solar photovoltaic system for the new headquarters of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Al-Shera’a, in the Al Jaddaf region of Dubai.
ALEC Energy is developing customized, walkable solar panels with a high transparency characteristic that suits the outstanding architectural design of the structure, in collaboration with other stakeholders such as the principal contractor, Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting LLC, and consultant, ATKINS.
According to the company statement, ALEC Energy provided a multi-tiered solution which includes the delivery of almost 21,150m2 of building attached photovoltaic (BAPV) panels on the roof, more than 1,000m2 of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels in the façade, and almost 2,000m2 of podium fins as well as fiber optic collectors, shaded structure PV, and solar trees. This will generate 4.8 MWp upon completion, helping to ensure the new headquarters will reach its net-zero targets.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD & CEO DEWA
“We work in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a global hub for clean energy and green economy. DEWA contributes to accelerating the shift towards Net Zero Energy Buildings and establishing a sustainable energy model that supports economic growth, without damaging the environment and its resources. By building Al-Shera’a, DEWA’s new headquarters, which will be the tallest, largest, and smartest government Zero Energy building in the world, we establish a global benchmark for buildings that achieve a balance between development and the environment, to protect the right of future generations to live in a clean, healthy and safe environment.”
Mr. James Stewart, General Manager at ALEC Energy said, “Winning this project has been a great endorsement of ALEC Energy’s ability to provide the most innovative, cost-effective solution that not only meets but exceeds the ambitious targets set by DEWA for the building. In delivering a solution that illustrates DEWA’s commitment to utilizing clean energy, we are also supporting the UAE Government’s high-level targets of clean energy supply within the next thirty years.”
“The most energy-efficient solar cells currently available worldwide are used for this project. Accredited laboratories will conduct numerous sophisticated performance tests, quality controls, and rigorous durability tests prior to the manufacturing of the PV panels. This project and the integrated solar design truly push the boundaries of solar power further,” Mr. Stewart further added.
As per the statement, Al-Sheraa’s built-up area is over 2 million square feet. The building will include 15 floors, a basement, and 5 floors of car parking. The building can house 5,000 people. DEWA’s new headquarters has been designed to receive a platinum rating by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and a gold rating from the WELL Building Standard.
