ALEC Energy has won the contract to provide a solar PV solution for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA’s) new headquarters, Al-Shera’a (Arabic for sail), in the Al Jaddaf area of Dubai.

In order to maximise the solution’s full potential, ALEC Energy provided a multi-tiered solution which includes the delivery of almost 21,150 m2 of building attached PV panels on the roof.

It also provided more than 1,000 m2 of building integrated PV panels in the facade and almost 2,000 m2 of podium fins.

Additional deliverables include fibre optic collectors and shaded structure PV and solar trees.

These will collectively generate 4.8 MWp upon completion, helping to ensure the new headquarters will reach its net 0 targets.

Working alongside other shareholders including main contractor, Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting LLC and consultant, ATKINS, ALEC Energy are designing customised, walkable solar panels with a high transparency feature that matches the striking architectural design of the building.

“By building Al-Shera’a, DEWA’s new headquarters, which will be the tallest, largest, and smartest government 0 Energy building in the world, we establish a global benchmark for buildings that achieve a balance between development and the environment, to protect the right of future generations to live in a clean, healthy and safe environment,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA.

James Stewart, general manager of ALEC Energy said that the project requires the most innovative, cost-effective solution that not only meets, but exceeds the ambitious targets set by DEWA for the building.

“In delivering a solution that epitomize DEWA’s commitment to utilising clean energy, we are also supporting the UAE Government’s high level targets of clean energy supply within the next 30 years,” said James Stewart.

“The most energy efficient solar cells currently available worldwide are used for this project,” James Stewart added.

Accredited laboratories will conduct many sophisticated performance tests, quality controls and rigorous durability tests prior to the manufacturing of the the photovoltaic panels.

“This project and the integrated solar design truly pushes the boundaries of solar power further,” James Stewart said.

Al-Sheraa’s built-up area is over 2 million sq feet. The building will have 15 floors, a basement and 5 floors of car parking.

The building can house about 5,000 people. Total energy used in the building during a year will be equal to or less than the energy produced onsite in a year.

DEWA’s new headquarters has been designed to receive a platinum rating by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and a gold rating from the WELL Building Standard.