DEWA’s Innovation Centre Launches Second Cycle of CleanTech Hackathon
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is set to host the second cycle of the CleanTech Hackathon from February 19th to 21st, 2024, organized by DEWA’s Innovation Centre. This event is a key component of DEWA’s participation in ‘UAE Innovates 2024,’ demonstrating the authority’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable solutions in the energy sector.
The CleanTech Hackathon is designed to attract global innovators, university students, and specialists in sustainable technologies. The competition focuses on a range of critical areas, including energy efficiency, digital transformation, reliability of renewable energy, and the integration of clean energy sources with existing systems.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, emphasized the importance of empowering the youth and encouraging their involvement in the clean and renewable energy field. He stated, “We motivate them to be creative and innovative to develop sustainable solutions that accelerate the energy transition and contribute to achieving net-zero.”
The competition is structured around three main tracks, each addressing key challenges in the field. The first track aims at optimizing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of clean energy sources, while the second track focuses on ensuring the reliability and stability of renewable energy. The third track addresses the seamless integration of renewable energy into existing systems, maximizing efficiency and addressing challenges related to intermittency, energy storage, distribution, and smart grid technologies.
“The Innovation Centre supports our efforts to enhance the participation of young people in creating positive change and shaping the future of sustainable energy globally. Through the Innovation Centre, DEWA aims to raise sustainability awareness, hone national capabilities, and enhance business competitiveness in this promising sector. This supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050,” added Al Tayer.
Waleed Bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, highlighted the Hackathon’s role in supporting efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability. The first cycle of the CleanTech Hackathon, which saw the participation of 48 innovators and specialists from 16 countries, attracted 110 applications. The event concluded with the recognition of four outstanding winners who were awarded valuable monetary prizes.
As the second cycle unfolds, DEWA anticipates even greater participation and innovative solutions, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and its pivotal role in shaping a greener and more sustainable future.
