Under the terms of the deal, DEWA will collaborate with TCS through an innovation program network, known as "Co-Innovation".
A part of the key research areas of DEWA’s R&D center, the Co-Innovation program will focus on solar power generation, smart grid initiatives, energy efficiency and water.
Dewa CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said: "DEWA gives priority to Research and Development (R&D), sustainability, renewable energy, and photovoltaic technology.
"This supports the National Innovation Strategy, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to make the UAE one of the most innovative countries in the world."
Al Tayer said that the collaboration aims to deliver innovation while using TCS’ Innovation ecosystem. It will leverage new ideas to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction.
"The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park plays host to many of the major projects in this field, such as the interactive innovation centre, equipped with the latest technologies in clean and renewable energy, enhancing the capabilities of national renewable and sustainable energy.
"DEWA’s Innovation Centre features a group of R&D centers that specialize in clean energy technologies, drone research, and solar energy based desalination, worth a total investment of AED500m."
Planned to be completed by 2030, the 5,000MW Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum solar park is expected to help in cutting down CO2 emissions of about 6.5 million tons per annum.
The solar project is a part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to generate 7% of total power from clean energy sources by 2020. The target will increase to 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2050.
Image: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority signs deal with Tata Consultancy Services. Photo: courtesy of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
