Mar 27, 2017 | By David
The future of 3D printing in the UAE looks a lot brighter today, as a new agreement was established that will assure significant investment and research into the technology by a number of parties. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) signed a bilateral MoU with global additive manufacturing giant GE Additive, in which they agreed to collaborate on 3D printing, additive manufacturing and digital technologies. This forms part of DEWA’s long-term strategy to be a sustainable, innovative, world-class utility. Their aim is to increase the efficiency of electricity in every area, from generation to distribution to transmission.
According to Mohamed Ehteshami, Vice President for Additive Integration at GE Additive, GE is enthusiastic about helping DEWA achieve its goals, and optimistic about the benefits that the company itself will gain from this agreement. ‘’The landmark MoU with DEWA marks a first-of-its-kind partnership by GE in the region with a utility provider to collaborate and co-create 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies. Industrial Internet and additive manufacturing are the next-generation technologies that bring unprecedented levels of productivity for our partners by developing complex industrial parts that are lighter, durable and more efficient with less waste."
A major contributing factor to the drawing-up of this agreement was the establishment of the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy. Recently launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, this is a unique global initiative aiming to realign the priorities of technology in global society, and to promote the status of the UAE. By 2030, Dubai is intended to be a leading hub of 3D printing technology.
The MoU was signed at DEWA’s head office by Ehteshami and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO of DEWA. He outlined some of the details of future plans for 3D printing technology, including the establishment of a new R&D centre. ‘’Through our research and development initiatives, we are optimizing the potential of 3D printing and other technologies, and we are currently working to establish a research and development centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, with a total investment of AED500 million up to 2020.'' The first-of-its-kind centre in the Middle East will be primarily focused on four areas: the production of electricity from solar energy, smart grid integration, energy efficiency, and water. According to Al Tayer, ''The MoU with GE will enable us to develop ‘Made in Dubai’ future technologies that contribute to increased operational efficiency and productivity."
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, and Mohamed Ehteshami, Vice President for Additive Intergration at GE Additive
In a keynote speech at the WFES (World Future Energy Summit) 2017 in January, plans were outlined by DEWA for meeting the UAE’s renewable energy targets. It has also recently partnered with the National Energy Technology Laboratory, part of the U.S Department of Energy. Its strategy certainly looks to be a forward-thinking and global one, with 3D printing technology forming a key part of its vision. Collaborating with GE will allow for the integration of international perspectives and methodologies, as well as the enhancement of tools used for national, regional, and global energy and climate change studies. Joint research will be co-ordinated effectively, as part of this highly leveraged partnership utilizing the expertise, experience, and capabilities of both entities for analysis and policy support.
Posted in 3D Printer Company
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