Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) opened the first phase of a 13 MW photovoltaic park - Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park last year, with a capacity to generate 1,000MW of power. It has now received the International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) issued in 2017, making it the first organization in the Arabian Gulf to adopt the I-REC system.

The park is the largest single-site solar project in the world with a planned capacity of 5,000MW by 2030.

DEWA's commitment to the environment to increase the share of clean energy in the energy mix is commendable. DEWA is the first utility in the region to sell I-REC certificates. It has signed an agreement to sell its 2017 certificates to Philips Lighting, through Norway's ECOHZ. Philips has also committed to completely depend on renewable energy for its operations, by 2020.

Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of DEWA, said: "At DEWA, we work to achieve the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a global hub for green economy and renewable energy. We also support the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which was launched by His Highness," he added.

The strategy is focused on taking Dubai to reach sustainability in energy conservation that supports economic growth without damaging the environment or natural resources culminating in a low carbon footprint by 2050.