Energy-saving smart lighting system given go-ahead in Dubai

The system being trialled at Jumeirah Corniche switches on when it detects approaching cyclists and pedestrians

A new smart lighting system is being introduced at Jumeirah Corniche as Dubai continues its drive to reduce energy consumption. Courtesy RTA

An energy-saving smart lighting system which switches on when it detects cyclists and pedestrians has been installed as part of a trial in Dubai.

The pilot project is being operated by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and Philips Lighting at Jumeirah Corniche.

The project is being introduced in a bid to make energy savings, while also ensuring the safety of pedestrians and other road users.

“The system uses specialised sensors that monitor the traffic movement on the road and controls the light intensity,” said Maitha bin Adai, the chief executive officer of the RTA's traffic and roads agency

“It communicates and sets the nearby lighting poles ready for the passage of road users. Thus, it contributes to power saving and at the same time ensures a safe lighting level for pedestrians and road users.”

RTA employees visited France on a fact-finding mission to the Outdoor Lighting Applications Center (OLAC) at Philips Lighting in Leon to learn about the latest trends.

“The visit was made in the context of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between RTA and Philips Lighting in May 2017 that calls for building a strategic partnership in scientific research,” said Ms Bin Adai.

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“It called specifically for reviewing the latest technologies of street lights, architectural lighting and smart systems for city development.”

The system is expected to result in significant energy savings. Provisional readings point to a saving of up to 40 per cent on LED lighting and up to 80 per cent on conventional lighting.

It is the latest effort to reduce energy consumption in the emirate as part of a long-term strategy to build towards a greener future.

Dubai aims for seven per cent of its energy output to be derived from clean energy - renewable, zero-emission sources such as solar, wind and hydropower - by 2020.

It is part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy, which has set a goal for the emirate to produce 75 per cent of its energy through clean sources by 2050.