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

In order to maximise its full potential, Alec Energy is providing a multi-tiered solution which includes the delivery of almost 21,150 sq m of building attached photovoltaic (BAPV) panels on the roof, more than 1,000 sq m of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels in the façade and almost 2,000 sq m of podium fins as well as fibre-optic collectors, shaded structure photovoltaic (PV) and solar trees, which collectively will generate 4.8 MWp upon completion, helping to ensure the new headquarters will reach its net zero targets.

Working alongside other stakeholders including main contractor, Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting and consultant, Atkins, Alec Energy is designing customised, walkable solar panels with a high transparency feature that matches the striking architectural design of the building.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dewa, says: “Dewa contributes to accelerating the shift towards Net Zero Energy Buildings and establishing a sustainable energy model that supports economic growth, without damaging the environment and its resources. By building Al-Shera’a, Dewa’s new headquarters, which will be the tallest, largest, and smartest government Zero 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.”

According to James Stewart, General Manager  of Alec Energy, the most energy-efficient solar cells currently available worldwide are used for this project.

“Accredited laboratories will conduct numerous sophisticated performance tests, quality controls and rigorous durability tests prior to the manufacturing of the PV panels. This project and the integrated solar design truly pushes the boundaries of solar power further,” Stewart remarks.

Al-Sheraa’s built-up area is over 2 million sq ft. The building, which can accommodate 5,000 people, will have 15 floors, a basement and five floors of car parking. The total energy used by the headquarters annually will be equal to or less than that 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.