´Shams Dubai Initiative, the rooftop solar program launched by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) in 2015, now has a total installed capacity of 49.9 MW, according to a statement by DEWA in mid-August 2018. The agency said it received additional requests of more than 323.83 MW to be connected to the grid.
The 49.9 MW has been installed on the rooftops of 1,145 buildings. By 2030, DEWA wants to have rooftop solar systems on all buildings in Dubai.
DEWA shared the update on Shams Dubai while announcing commissioning of a 2 MW Solar Carport Project at its headquarters and at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) building. This project was launched in 2017 to solarize DEWA's car park (see Dubai Installed 17.7 MW Rooftop PV).
The solar carport covers 885 parking spaces in two locations. A total of 6,700 locally manufactured solar modules have been used for the project.
"Through this project, we intend to enhance the happiness of our stakeholders, promote the concept of green and sustainable buildings, and instil a sustainable culture of energy consumption. We also aim to reduce the reliance on traditional energy sources, by helping Dubai's Governmental entities meet the target set by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy to cut 20% of energy consumption in all government buildings by 2020," said MD & CEO of DEWA, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer.