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Abu Dhabi Energy Department Implements Demand Side Management Regulations From 1st July | |
| Radhika Laghate |
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) is taking significant steps to promote sustainability in the energy sector as part of the Year of Sustainability 2023.
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The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) is taking significant steps to promote sustainability in the energy sector as part of the Year of Sustainability 2023. The DoE has announced the implementation of its Demand Side Management (DSM) Regulations starting July 1, 2023, aligning with the Abu Dhabi vision and the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative.
The primary goal of the regulations is to encourage energy and water efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, all while prioritising customer comfort, health, and safety. To ensure the sustainability of energy sources in the Emirate, the DoE is updating and expanding the Abu Dhabi DSM and Energy Rationalisation Strategy (DSM) 2030.
The regulations will also support future plans and projects on the supply side by minimising the need for investments in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure. Additionally, they aim to reduce losses in the transmission and distribution networks.
As part of the planning process, the DoE will issue DSM Plan Guidelines on an annual basis, highlighting key focus areas and priorities that stakeholders must consider when developing and submitting their DSM Plans for approval. Each DSM initiative and its expected annual savings will be described in the DSM Plan, and the DoE will evaluate and approve the plans based on cost-benefit analysis.
Rising Energy Demand To Increase by 2035
Abu Dhabi's energy demand is projected to rise steadily over the next decade, with an annual consumption rate increase of 1.4% until 2035. Energy efficiency and rationalisation are crucial solutions to address energy and climate change concerns. The DSM Regulations support the government's objectives outlined in the Abu Dhabi Demand Side Management and Energy Rationalisation Strategy 2030, which aims to reduce electricity consumption by 22% and water consumption by 32% by 2030 compared to the 2013 baseline.
The strategy consists of nine programmes that involve multiple stakeholders, including building retrofits, demand response, efficient water use and reuse, building regulations, street lighting, district cooling, standards and labels, energy storage, rebates, and behavioural change.
By implementing these regulations, Abu Dhabi is demonstrating its commitment to leading the transition towards a secure, reliable, and sustainable energy system in alignment with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. The regulations not only benefit the industry but also improve the well-being of customers, enhance convenience, and preserve resources.