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28 March 2024

Link of solar units to Dubai grid allowed

The vehicle workshop adopts the latest international technologies to conserve electricity and water consumption. (File)

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By Staff

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, issued Resolution No (46) of 2014 regulating linkage of solar power generating units to Dubai’s power grid.

The resolution sets the legislative framework regulating the process of linkage of solar power generating units to Dubai’s broader grid and supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform the emirate into a smart city.

The resolution further encourages generating power from the photovoltaic system and contributes to energy sources diversification through increasing growth of renewable energy and encouraging carbon footprint reduction leading to a greener economy for sustainable development, according to a statement issued by the government of Dubai Media Office.

The resolution defines the terms of reference by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), which include developing the policy framework that controls electricity generation from solar energy, to be approved by the Supreme Council of Energy.

Dewa will also be tasked with determining electricity annual limit, concluding linkage agreements with producers, conducting periodic reviews, determining the maximum bulk of electricity each producer to export to the distribution system, and determining how to dispose of surplus energy, in addition to monitoring and supervising producers, and the verification of their compliance with the provisions of this resolution as well as deciding penalty measures against violators.

As per the resolution, Dewa will be tasked with the establishment of a database of producers.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chief Executive Officer, Dewa, said: “The resolution constitutes an advance step stone on our way to sustainable and clean power generation and further help preserving our natural resources.”

Pursuant to the resolution, it is strictly forbidden to connect any solar power-generating unit to Dubai’s grid without obtaining beforehand approval from Dewa. The approval is attained after submitting an agreement request supported with all the required documents. Additionally, the solar power producer may not transfer his rights and obligations to any third party without approval from Dewa.

The resolution granted Dewa the right to amend the terms and conditions attached and to circulate these amendments, as it might deem suitable. Dewa may also increase or decrease the annual linkage limit to insure the grid’s safety and efficiency.

The resolution granted Dewa the right to take any necessary measures, at any point of time, to protect the grid. Dewa may disconnect any solar power-generating unit from the grid if Dewa finds the unit of any threat to the grid.

According to the resolution, Dewa is obliged to notify the solar power producer with any violations or breaches to the agreement. The resolution also granted all solar power producers six months to comply with the regulations of the resolution, starting from its validity date. The resolution is to be published in the official ‘Gazette’ and considered valid from the date of publication.