DUBAI, UAE, 3 November 2019: The Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Danish Consulate General in Dubai, FEWA said through a Press release. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) seeks to promote further cooperation in clean energy, the environment and sustainable resources, FEWA said. It was signed by H.E. Mohammad Mohammad Saleh, FEWA’s Director General, and H.E. Jens Martin Alsbirk, Consul General of Denmark in Dubai, with several FEWA officials and consulate staff in attendance, FEWA added.

The leading objective of the agreement is to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, environment, and sustainable water management between Denmark and the UAE, FEWA said through the release. The two entities have also agreed to establish a basis for knowledge sharing and cooperation in these sectors, in an effort to promote the use of scientific research to drive both countries’ plans to increase reliance on clean energy, FEWA added.

The two parties have identified activities of common interest in two different areas: optimisation and efficiency of water projects, and photovoltaic (solar energy) connection to the grid, FEWA said. According to the release, FEWA will collaborate with the Danish Water Efficiency Alliance MENA on water projects. The Alliance is a group of Danish water services and technology suppliers. It is set to offer support in water master planning and infrastructure, energy optimisation of pumping stations, and energy production from wastewater.

As for photovoltaic (PV) connection to the grid, the support of Danish companies will enhance solar energy efficiency at the 500 MW solar power plant in Umm Al Quwain, FEWA said. On a related note, the MoU calls for exchanging technical expertise and training, FEWA revealed. With that in mind, FEWA said, a group of Danish technical advisors from public water utilities, in addition to independent Danish research and technology organisations specialising in optimising operations, will share their knowledge and expertise during a number of yearly short-term stays in the UAE.

“We look forward to establishing strong partnerships and cooperation with our counterparts from around the world, in our effort to serve the UAE’s strategic objectives, ensure energy security, diversify energy sources, and increase reliance on alternative and renewable ones,” said H.E. Saleh. “Signing this MoU with the Royal Danish Consulate General in Dubai is part of a broader vision that seeks to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the electricity and water sector in the UAE, and shed light on the available investment opportunities to investors from all around the world.”

H.E. Alsbirk added: “I believe that by working together and sharing experiences we can accelerate the global green transition. This Memorandum of Understanding is a step on the way towards new and sustainable solutions for water and electricity services.

“By strengthening the bilateral cooperation in the field of energy, environment, and sustainable water management between Denmark and the UAE, it is my hope that we can develop the sustainable agenda, and lower energy and water consumption. We all face the same global challenges, and only by working together can we make a difference. This MoU shows a great commitment from FEWA and the Royal Danish Consulate to make a difference and do our best to find new sustainable solutions for our utility services.”

The Federal Electricity and Water Authority’s mission is to excel in providing electricity and water services, improve living conditions and standards, achieve sustainable growth, develop the infrastructure at electricity and water facilities to meet growing demand in the areas under its jurisdiction, and rationalise the consumption of electricity and water.