HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) received a Swiss delegation, headed by Chris Watts, Consul General of Switzerland in Dubai. The delegation also included Peter Harradine, President of the Swiss Business Council in Dubai & the Northern Emirates. The visit belongs to continuous diplomatic and council visit to DEWA to enhance relations, assist in the exchange of abilities, and improve cooperation. Al Tayer welcomed the Consul General, keeping in mind the favorable relationship in between the two countries, and their effective collaborations. Al Tayer noted DEWA's commitment to cooperating with different Swiss companies to develop innovative capabilities, and efforts to improve partnerships with Swiss business in the clean and renewable energy sector. This supports the National Innovation Strategy, and DEWA's vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility.

During the visit, Al Tayer provided DEWA's existing and future projects and tactical initiatives, and talked about the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is managed by DEWA and is one of the biggest single-site tactical renewable resource projects worldwide. It is based upon the independent power producer (IPP) model, with an organized total capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW) by 2020 and 5,000 MW by 2030. Al Tayer also highlighted the Hassyan clean coal power plant, which is also based on the IPP design, and is the first 2,400 MW stage of the job.

The project is expected to be functional by 2020. Al Tayer highlighted DEWA's smart grids project, and three smart initiatives as part of the Smart Dubai initiative. The delegation commended DEWA on its constant efforts. They showed interest in DEWA's existing and future clean energy projects, and were keen to exchange skills, information and practices to contribute to Dubai's sustainable development.