ALEC Energy has won the contract to provide a solar photovoltaic solution for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA’s) new headquarters, Al-Shera’a (Arabic for sail), in the Al Jaddaf area of Dubai.

In order to maximise the solution’s full potential, ALEC Energy provided a multi-tiered solution which includes the delivery of almost 21,150m²of building attached photovoltaic (BAPV) panels on the roof, more than 1,000m²of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels in the façade and almost2,000m²of podium fins as well as fibre optic collectors, shaded structure PV and solar trees, which collectively will generate 4.8 MWp upon completion, helping to ensure the new headquarters will reach its net zero targets.

Working alongside other stakeholders including main contractor, Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting LLC and consultant, ATKINS, ALEC Energy are designing customised, walkable solar panels with a high transparency feature that matches the striking architectural design of the building.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, said, “We work in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a global hub for clean energy and green economy. DEWA contributes to accelerating the shift towards Net Zero Energy Buildings and establishing a sustainable energy model that supports economic growth, without damaging the environment and its resources. By building Al-Shera’a, DEWA’s new headquarters, which will be the tallest, largest, and smartest government Zero Energy building in the world, we establish a global benchmark for buildings that achieve a balance between development and the environment, to protect the right of future generations to live in a clean, healthy and safe environment.”

Speaking on behalf of ALEC Energy, James Stewart, general manager said, “Winning this project has been a great endorsement of ALEC Energy’s ability to provide the most innovative, cost-effective solution that not only meets, but exceeds the ambitious targets set by DEWA for the building. In delivering a solution that illustrates DEWA’s commitment to utilising clean energy, we are also supporting the UAE Government’s high-level targets of clean energy supply within the next thirty years.”

“The most energy efficient solar cells currently available worldwide are used for this project. Accredited laboratories will conduct numerous sophisticated performance tests, quality controls and rigorous durability tests prior to the manufacturing of the PV panels. This project and the integrated solar design truly pushes the boundaries of solar power further,” Stewart remarked.

Al-Sheraa’s built-up area is over 2 million square feet. The building will have 15 floors, a basement and 5 floors of car parking. The building can house 5,000 people. Total energy used in the building during a year will be equal to or less than the energy produced onsite in a year. DEWA’s new headquarters has been designed to receive a platinum rating by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and a gold rating from the WELL Building Standard.