SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
In collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoI), Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has introduced the Distributed Solar System (DSS) project, enabling Northern emirates residents to generate solar power through rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Aligned with the directives of UAE leaders, the initiative is designed to increase the renewable energy supply by channelling excess solar power into the grid.
Initiated in July 2023, the project features a feasibility study and regulatory framework to facilitate the seamless integration of DSS into the national grid.
Certified contractors from EtihadWE will install rooftop solar panels for customers in residential, industrial, and agricultural sectors.
By feeding generated solar power back into the grid, participants will benefit from lower energy bills.
With two metres to track energy flow, customers will receive credits for any excess energy they export, which can be used within the same year.
Supporting a long-term vision, the initiative aims to increase renewable energy availability in the Northern Emirates, cut carbon footprints, as well as advance cleaner energy solutions.
Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, in a statement, said: "The DSS project is a major contribution to the UAE's shift to clean energy sources. It reflects our steadfast commitment to fast-tracking renewable energy deployment and the country's sustainable development. We are pleased to partner with EtihadWE on this project that will pave the way for wider community engagement in building a more sustainable, energy-secure future."
He added that the project aligns with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050's long-term objectives, counting increasing clean energy generation to 32 percent, tripling the renewable energy share by 2030, as well as enhancing global competitiveness.
EtihadWE CEO Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali said: "This major solar initiative marks a significant step in EtihadWE's progress towards enhancing renewable energy in the Northern Emirates. We are embracing new technology to improve our operations, offer, products and customer service, while making our commitment to sustainability clear."
He noted that the project demonstrates EtihadWE's dedication to aligning its strategic approach with the UAE government's directives for a sustainable energy future.
Speaking to Aletihad, Al Olama said: "From an energy sector perspective, having additional sources of distributed solar, especially during peak times, helps manage peak electricity consumption. In terms of our energy strategy, it requires 30 percent of the energy mix to come from renewable sources by 2030."
He noted that utilising rooftops and available spaces for renewable energy production is a logical step that aligns with the strategy. "We cannot continue relying solely on building large solar plants, which require vast amounts of land. Many buildings and homes in the UAE have accessible roofs ideal for solar panels."
Also speaking to Aletihad, Ahmed Al Suwaidi, VP of Investment at EtihadWE, explained that the distributed solar system initiative was launched after six months of collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, taking into account perspectives from EtihadWE, consumers, and regulators.
"With an average of eight to 10 hours of sunlight per day, our consumers have a great opportunity to harness this sunlight and convert it into energy, which will ultimately contribute to the UAE's 2050 net-zero strategy," he said.
Regarding the initiative's impact on the Northern Emirates, Al Suwaidi said the adoption rate observed from the introduced scheme appears promising, based on the study conducted with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
Regarding safety guidelines, he highlighted the use of a separate meter for the distributed solar panels to ensure that the installed capacity complies with the allowed limits of the initiative.
"In addition, customers must obtain an approval, or NOC, from the relevant municipality in each emirate to verify that the structure where the solar panels will be installed can support their weight and design."