Teams participating in the first Solar Decathlon - Middle East (SDME) 2018 have started to construct the houses they designed for the competition at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, said Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) in an introductory meeting for the teams.

Teams were briefed about health & safety, logistics, and other organisational issues. Teams have to build and operate cost-effective and energy-efficient sustainable solar-powered homes, with a focus on protecting the environment, taking into consideration the regional climate. The participating teams will take part in 10 contests: architecture; engineering and building; energy management; energy efficiency; comfort conditions; house functioning; sustainable transport; sustainability; communications, and innovation.

A total of 15 teams representing 28 universities from 11 countries are taking part in the 1st SDME, which Dewa is organising in partnership with the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and the US Department of Energy. The second SDME will be held in 2020 to coincide with Expo 2020 Dubai. The total prizes for the 1st and 2nd completions exceed Dh20 million ($5.4 million).

Dewa has dedicated over 60,000 sq m for the competition at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Seih Al Dahl in Dubai. Dewa has invited the public to visit SDME to view the houses and meet the teams from 14-29 November.

“This Solar Decathlon is especially important as it is being organised in the Year of Zayed, which marks 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, who consolidated the principles of sustainable development in the UAE. I am pleased to welcome you to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, vice chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD & CEO of Dewa.

“This has been selected as the site of the competition due to its importance as a pioneer for a new phase of green economy. This is part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 to provide 75% of Dubai's total power output from clean energy, and make Dubai the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world,” added Al Tayer.

“When I met some of you in the workshops we organised, I experienced your determination to make a difference, and I was impressed by the innovative designs I saw. I’m confident that your model homes will be important additions that can be implemented in smart homes. This will contribute to the conservation and sustainability of natural resources, for generations to come.

Your designs and models will also encourage your colleagues at your universities and other universities around the world to participate in the second Solar Decathlon Middle East. We will organise this in conjunction with Expo 2020 Dubai, whose theme Connecting Minds… Creating the Future,’ fits well with this leading international competition,” said Al Tayer, addressing the students.

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