ABU DHABI // In a country that experiences only a few days without sun each year, it seems unlikely that the weather would be one of the biggest challenges for widespread solar energy deployment.
However, humidity, sand storms and soiling on solar panels are enough of an issue that Dubai Electricity and Water Authority organised a three-day workshop on how to deal with the threats.
Solar experts, academics and industry leaders gathered on Tuesday to discuss photovoltaic module maintenance and operation.
“This workshop will have an effective role in supporting these efforts, via the exchange of skills between Dewa’s R&D centre, and some of the world’s key players in the industry,” said Saeed Al Tayer, head of Dewa. “Dewa has increased the targets for renewable energy to seven per cent of Dubai’s total power output by 2020 and 25 per cent by 2030.”
Commitments such as the largest solar energy farm in Dubai, the Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum Solar Park, and installing solar panels on every home in the emirate make the UAE increasingly committed to abandoning fossil fuel reliance.
Backed by a US$25 billion federal investment by 2021 in renewables - mainly solar energy - the country has a lot to lose if the rollout isn’t efficiently deployed.
The workshop, which involved engineers and policy makers from around the UAE, aimed to impart best practices on the various organisations developing solar energy facilities. Practical elements included installing sensors to measure dust volume, regular cleaning of the panels and using a coating that protects the panels from dust.
“This workshop will have an effective role in supporting these efforts, via the exchange of skills between Dewa’s R&D centre, and some of the world’s key players in the industry, who specialise in managing the effect of soiling on photovoltaic technology,” said Mr Al Tayer.
Clean energy currently provides 0.2 per cent of the country’s energy mix. The UAE government is looking at ways to boost that to 24 per cent by 2021.
“The UAE is committed to fostering the growth and development of renewable energy solutions, and have taken serious steps to transform the energy sector to rely on clean, sustainable energy,” said Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
nalwasmi@thenational.ae
