Getting smart at WETEX

Last month’s WETEX (Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition) conference in Dubai brought together close to 1,700 exhibitors from 46 countries, who showcased the latest technologies and solutions in water, energy, environment sustainability, oil and gas, and other related sectors.

Held in conjunction with the World Green Economy Summit, WETEX 2015 was entitled ‘At the Forefront of Sustainability’, putting a strong focus on the environmental conservation and green technologies for the sustainable use of energy and water resources.  The 17th edition of WETEX showed how UAE institutions and companies are leading global efforts in energy efficiency and sustainability.

Two of the local organisations behind the event, The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, put renewable energies, electric vehicles, and smart technologies centre stage – three important pillars of Dubai’s energy policy to become the world’s smartest city.

“Diversification of the energy mix is part of the UAE’s priorities to become a leading hub for renewable energy and green development,” said CEO and managing director of DEWA Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer on the final day of the three-day conference.

Mr. Al Tayer also spoke about DEWA’s intention to continue its recent efforts to promote the use of electric vehicles in the UAE. “WETEX embraces the latest electric and hybrid cars, as well as the latest technologies for these cars by the top manufacturers, in order to highlight their contribution to the preservation of the environment and sustainability.”

One of the local companies to showcase technologies that have put it at the forefront of global efforts for energy sustainability was Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA). EGA’s stand at WETEX 2015 displayed its DX+ and DX+ Ultra technology. Ranking as one of the most efficient technologies available in the production of aluminum, DX+ and DX+ Ultra mitigate the impact of smelter operations on the environment through improved energy efficiency and minimized emission levels.

“As an on-going supporter of WETEX, we were pleased to see high levels of attendance at the 2015 event, which proved to be an effective platform for us to highlight our world-leading technologies and to discuss topics high on the environmental agenda with our industry colleagues,” said Al Awadhi Tayeb Al Awadhi, Vice President of Power & Desalination at EGA, which was a strategic sponsor of the event for the fourth consecutive year.

Stressing its commitment to the environment, Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) highlighted its sustainable development initiatives as well as its latest smart energy solution technologies.

“This year, we are placing a strong focus on showcasing our overall strategy to promote sustainable development, highlighting our wide range of initiatives as well as the new technologies that we are introducing to strengthen operational efficiency and sustainability,” said ENOC CEO Saif Al Falasi, who also pointed to Dubai’s “thought leadership in promoting energy and water use efficiency.”

Platinum sponsor of the event, Ducab, the Middle East's leading manufacturer of high quality cables and cabling products, showcased its latest range of energy-efficient cabling, designed to meet the needs of the region's most prominent industries.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ahmad Al Shaikh, Chairman of Ducab, said: "The region's energy industry is booming, and Ducab is proud to be partnered with several prestigious agencies to be a part of this exciting period of growth. We are especially proud to be forging the way to a more sustainable future, by assisting in the development of alternative energy solutions as well as by reviewing our own impact on the environment.”

One of the highlights of the event was Ericsson’s exhibition on the future of communications technology and how it will transform utilities such as energy, water and sewage. Visitors to Ericsson’s stand gained an insight into how smart grid network monitoring and smart meters will help utilities, businesses, and households to become more efficient in the consumption of energy and water.

“There has been a dynamic shift within the utilities industry, we are showcasing our smart grid solutions, which enable operators to decrease their carbon footprint by implementing smart metering aimed at improving connectivity for sustainability.

“As a global communications leader with extensive multivendor systems integration experience, Ericsson is well placed to partner with utilities as they transform their electricity distribution grids into smart grids,” said Rutger Reman, Head of Industry and Society, Ericsson, Region Middle East.

Playing an integral role in Dubai’s bid to become the world’s smartest city is the Department of Planning and Development, Trakhees. The regulatory arm of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation in Dubai, Trakhees was established in 2008 to oversee the sustainable expansion and growth of the special development zones and free zones.

Participating in WETEX for the fourth consecutive year, Trakhees shed light on its commitment to the preservation of the environment and energy, its adoption of the highest standards in environmental protection, and its optimal use of energy to reduce the carbon footprint of the special development zones and free zones.