Ducab's Solar Projects Boost UAE's Green Energy Goals
Ducab Group is one of the largest manufacturing entities in the UAE outside of the oil and gas sector and a powerful symbol of the country's potential in industrial production. As a strong supporter of the "Made in the UAE" brand, under the "Operation 300bn" national vision1, Ducab has supplied cable solutions to flagship projects in the UAE, including 90% of the wire and cable requirements for Expo 2020 Dubai.
One of the most exciting emerging opportunities for Ducab's cable solutions is in the region's growing renewable energy sector. Ducab's line of SolarBICC cables caters specifically to the solar energy sector and was selected for some of the region's largest solar power generation projects, including the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai and Shams 1 in Abu Dhabi.
Not only does Ducab's product range support the UAE's energy evolution under the 'Energy Strategy 2050', but the brand is also investing significantly in solar projects to power its operations. The Energy Strategy 2050 aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix from 25 percent to 50 percent by 2050. It also seeks to increase consumption efficiency of individuals and corporates by 40 percent. The Dubai project alone is expected to slash carbon emissions by more than 6.5 million tonnes of harmful CO2, helping Dubai and the UAE meet their commitment to the Paris Agreement to keep global warming temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius this century2.
Solar power is part of Ducab's 'Go Green' initiative as it helps slash harmful greenhouse gas emissions, thus reducing global warming. The initiative further boosts the UAE's goal of reducing the carbon footprint of power generation by 70 percent, as envisioned in the Energy Strategy 20503.
As a major industrial conglomerate with a high electrical load consumption, Ducab can lead by example in energy transition while optimizing its energy-related OPEX. Ducab is therefore invested in a phased rollout of solar power plants in all its manufacturing facilities. The first project was installing solar panels in the company's headquarters, including a 2.052 MWp ground-mounted solar power plant in the first phase and a 46 KWp rooftop solar power plant in the second phase for a combined 2098kWp of electric output. The ground-mounted solar power project started on 5th Feb 2020 and was completed on 1st June 2020.
To ensure best practices and the highest level of excellence, Ducab partnered with Etihad Energy Services Company LLC (Etihad Esco LLC), a DEWA subsidiary, to implement the project. The comprehensive partnership agreement with Etihad Esco includes maintenance allowing Ducab to focus on its core business while experts manage energy production. Any excess energy produced is connected back to the DEWA supply grid.
Ducab has always been at the forefront of technology and innovation in its core operations, and this is no different, with smart technologies installed throughout the power plant. A modern smart net metering system allows for precise electricity consumption reading and accurate electricity production reading. Further, the daily cleaning of solar panels is automated through a robotic cleaning system.
Ducab's green energy efforts and eco-friendly solutions are already attracting attention. Ducab is today certified as a Shams Dubai Platinum-certified company. Shams is an initiative of DEWA to encourage households and building owners to install PV panels to generate electricity and connect them to DEWA's grid. The electricity is used on-site and the surplus is exported to DEWA's network.
Through strategic investments, partnerships and a global outlook, Ducab built one of the largest home-grown brands in the region. Further, the organization’s goals are aligned with UAE's, championing the country's industrialization and green energy goals. The next chapter in its ambitious development plans will see Ducab deepen its sustainable development roadmap and further contribute to UAE's society for generations to come.
