Abu Dhabi's Energy Rationalization Strategy generates Dh1.3 billion in annual savings

MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)

The programmes and initiatives guided by the Abu Dhabi Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalisation Strategy 2030 have achieved annual savings of Dh1.3 billion, according to Eng. Ahmed Al Falasi, Acting Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector at the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi.

During a media briefing held on Tuesday on the sidelines of the World Utilities Congress 2024 hosted in Abu Dhabi, Al Falasi, detailed the new updates to the strategy, while offering an overview of its realised impact and future targets.

Launched in 2019, the Abu Dhabi Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalization Strategy 2030 aims to cut water consumption by 32 percent - equivalent to 483 million cubic metres - and reduce electricity consumption by 22 percent, or 19 terawatt-hours, by 2030.

Al Falasi noted that the strategy has so far realised 10 percent of its electricity savings target and 20 percent of its water savings target.

Among the major updates to the strategy is the introduction of an industrial energy efficiency programme and a new initiative focused on reducing energy consumption in the agriculture sector, according to Al Falasi.

These additions reflect a broader effort to address areas with significant potential for energy savings, he said.

Al Falasi further emphasised the importance of awareness-raising and behavioural change programmes to maximise the effectiveness of the programmes covered by the strategy.

Eng. Mohamed Al Hadhrami, also from the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, provided details on the newly included programmes, which now encompass energy efficiency improvements in transportation and municipal sectors.

He also noted that some programmes have been revised to ensure they keep pace with current developments and changes.

Additionally, the strategy has seen updates in programme ownership and sponsorship, with an increased number of sponsors involved.

Al Hadhrami added that enablers such as green financing have been introduced to facilitate access to funding mechanisms, ensuring robust support for the strategy's initiatives.