Dubai to host region’s first solar decathlon
dubai — Twenty-one teams from 36 universities around the world will compete in Dubai at the Dh20 million Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) in November this year. Dubai will host two rounds of the competition, first in 2018 and then in 2020, to coincide with the World Expo 2020.
Qualified teams will design, build, and operate sustainable, cost-and energy-efficient models of solar-powered homes, with a focus on protecting the environment, and taking into consideration the climatic conditions of the region.
The competition will be held for the first time in the Middle East and Africa. It was created through an agreement between the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), and the United States Department of Energy.
“Dubai’s hosting of the Solar Decathlon reflects its realisation that sustainable development is key to achieving a balance between development and sustainability. This balance will help protect the rights of future generations to live in a clean, healthy, and safe environment,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman
Dubai’s hosting of the solar decathlon reflects its realisation that sustainable development is key to achieving a balance between development and sustainability.” Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, vice-chairman, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy & CEO fo Dewa
of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD & CEO of Dewa.
Dubai’s long-term Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative and Clean Energy Strategy 2050 will eventually provide seven per cent of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy by 2020; 25 per cent by 2030 and 75 per cent by 2050.
Objectives
The teams taking part in the contest will first design the house, develop innovative solutions to climate problems, take into consideration the social factors of the region and preserve the environment. The students will then try and apply these solutions when building the house to participate in the competition.
The competition also aims at raising awareness of the importance of using renewable energy sources and allowing students from all disciplines, especially engineering, to learn to apply the latest technologies and skills that provide a more sustainable lifestyle.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park was selected to host the decathlon because it is key to developing the economy to support environmental sustainability and increase the supply of clean energy. The solar park is the largest single-site solar energy project in the world, based on the independent power producer model. By 2030, it will produce 5,000MW and will help reduce 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. An area of approximately 60,000 square metres has been allocated to the decathlon at the solar park.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com