Bright prospects

Solar Decathlon Middle East – organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, will be – for the first time in its history – linked to a World Expo

Expo 2020 Dubai, which began on October 1, is a platform that will showcase innovative and sustainable initiatives – especially among the youth. And the event’s Official Sustainable Energy Partner is Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

In line with that, the Supreme Council of Energy, US Department of Energy and DEWA have agreed to hold the 2021 edition of the Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) from November 11-24 at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, during the Expo 2020 activities.

Solar Decathlon is an international competition for university students to design, build and operate sustainable solar-powered houses. They will integrate the latest technologies and materials in energy-efficient design, clean energy technologies, smart home solutions, water conservation measures, electric vehicles, and high-performance buildings.

Considered the world’s most important green construction competition, SDME will be – for the first time in its history – linked to a World Expo. SDME 2021 has decided to focus on seven interrelated pillars: Sustainability, Future, Innovation, Clean Energy, Mobility, Smart Solutions, and Happiness. These pillars coincide with the goals of DEWA and Expo 2020 Dubai, and shall be present in all the houses. Teams will exhibit the houses they have designed and constructed at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. During the final phase of the competition, the teams will display models of their houses at the DEWA pavilion within the Expo site, while undergoing 10 different contests.

The 10 SDME contests will be in line with those in previous competitions, with some customisation to challenge the teams to adapt their designs to the heat, dust and high humidity experienced in the Middle East.

There are three different ways to earn points:

1. Jury evaluation: A multidisciplinary jury, composed of renowned experts, score the houses based on the evaluation criteria and guidelines developed by DEWA.

2. Monitored performance: During the contest, observers will continuously monitor the houses, and carry out spot measurements. The monitored performance scoring uses the criteria indicated in the contest details. Judges will award points measured on performance requirements that are met or partially met.

3. Task completion: Teams will obtain points by successfully completing the requested tasks. An observer will record the results.

DEWA will reward the winners in each of the contests in addition to the overall competition winners.