Dubai - MENA Herald: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has awarded to Stantec International its engineering consultancy contract to build a centre and laboratory for Research and Development at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
The consultancy’s scope includes services related to the design and building of a laboratory and research and development centre, developing tenders, assessment of project contractors and onsite supervision during the building process.
This contract pertains to the second phase of implementation of the Research and Development Centre. The first phase is already complete and includes defining the strategy, fields of research, and roadmap to execute the project.
The centre seeks to support DEWA's goal of boosting sustainability in energy supply, diversification of the energy mix, and creating an environment that nurtures innovation. It also supports the implementation of Dubai's strategy to build a knowledge economy through enhanced efficiency standards and renewable energy initiatives, especially in solar energy and related activities by DEWA.
"Under the directive of HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, 2015 was named as the year of innovation, and is aligned to the Dubai Innovation Strategy, announced by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, to make Dubai the most innovative city in the world. Against these initiatives, DEWA strives to boost excellence and competitiveness of the country and Dubai by providing the finest government services boasting top international standards and highest levels of people’s happiness and satisfaction. The Research and Development Centre will stay up to date with the latest scientific and research advancements in renewable energy and will also support the strategic goals of Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 to diversify energy sources," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, DEWA.
"The centre will contribute to raising Dubai's position as a global hub for research and development in solar energy, smart grids, and water and energy efficiency. It will also help boost the capabilities of these sectors to enable Dubai to meet the requirements of sustainable development in the Emirate. We are working to establish a platform for innovation and creativity in renewable energy and clean technologies and are focused on training UAE nationals for the upcoming challenges and opportunities," added Al Tayer.
"The Research and Development Centre will conduct studies in industrial and social aspects, scientific research, and brings together researchers, academics and developers, and devise strategies for innovative and productive ideas. We have two testing facilities, one for photovoltaic solar testing and the other for concentrated solar power. The centre is currently testing around 25 modules of photovoltaic panels from global specialist manufacturers, to check the properties, analyse the results, and utilise them in research and development," concluded Al Tayer.
"We help develop science and technology by building laboratories that drive discoveries, which can have a huge impact on our lives. Stantec will put all its local and international expertise in designing research facilities and laboratories and sustainability and renewable energy in the service of DEWA to develop the most advanced and innovative research and development centre," said Michael Reagan, Vice President and Sector Leader of Science & Technology for Academics at Stantec.
“We will work closely with our customers and stakeholders in line with our responsibility to the communities we serve. We are proud to be part of this important project for the UAE and Dubai, which is already renowned for its pursuit of innovation and sustainability," said Aziz Bootwala, Managing Principal, Stantec Middle East.
Launched in 1954 and headquartered in Edmonton Canada, Stantec International is an award-winning company operating across multiple disciplines and industries. It has 14,000 employees working in over 230 locations. The company currently has offices in the UAE, Qatar, KSA and works on many projects in the GCC.
