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Dubai - The UAE, and especially Dubai, adopts a firm approach in conserving natural resource and combating climate change. The country attaches great importance to sustainability of energy resources, environmental protection, and reducing carbon emissions.
To enhance its competitiveness according to the UAE Vision 2021 to be one of the Best countries in the world by 2021, the nation adopts a long-term national initiative, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative establishes the UAE as one of the global leaders in green economy and sustainable development, and a global hub for exporting and re-exporting green products and technologies, while maintaining a sustainable environment that supports economic growth in the long run.
The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy has launched the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 to enhance the sustainable development and make Dubai as a role model for energy security and efficiency. The strategy increases the percentage of renewable energy in the energy mix to 7% by 2020 and 15% by 2030, reduce energy demand by 30%, and reduce carbon emissions by 5 million tonnes by 2030. The strategy supports Dubai's green journey, which was underlined at the World Green Economy Summit in Dubai, and highlights the Emirate's efforts and commitment to achieve its goal of becoming a global hub for green economy. The Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 also promotes the Emirate as a global role model for energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainability, creativity, innovation, and attracting investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) works to achieve the vision and direction of Dubai in environmental conservation and reduce the use of natural resources. This is achieved by launching mega energy projects, enhancing the renewable energy sector, and increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of energy and water networks in the Emirate. DEWA launches leading awareness initiatives and programmes, which now play an important role in promoting community awareness of the importance of rational use of natural resources, instilling a culture of sensible use of resources. This in turn, helps to reduce the carbon footprint of Dubai and the UAE.
"DEWA supports the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the Dubai Plan 2021 to make Dubai a smart, integrated, and connected city that is sustainable in its resources, and whose environmental elements are clean, healthy, and sustainable. At DEWA, we support and work towards this goal through our vision to become a sustainable innovative world-class utility, and our commitment to adopt the highest sustainability standards," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
"On the supply side, we have been building sustainable power and water supply systems for the last few decades in line with the recognised best international standards and practices. We have managed to enhance the efficiency of resources significantly and have succeeded in increasing the efficiency of power generation by 28.36% between 2006 and 2014. We also reduced the percentage of network line losses from 7.03% in 1998 to 3.26% in 2014 by following the best international technical standards and sound engineering practices in power system planning, design, construction and operation. This figure is considered the lowest worldwide. Water losses were 9.1% in 2014 compared to 42% in 1988. This is also one of the lowest percentages worldwide. DEWA also achieved the best results in customer minutes lost per year at 4.29 minutes in 2014 compared with 15 minutes registered by leading electricity utilities in the European Union," added Al Tayer.
"Each year, DEWA organises ongoing awareness campaigns to raise environmental awareness among residents and visitors of Dubai and reduce energy and water use in the Emirate. The annual Peak Load campaign supports DEWA's ongoing efforts to strengthen the basics of environmental sustainability and drive Dubai's sustainable development by reducing wastage and decreasing the use of electricity, water, and natural resources. It urges people to lead a conscious and responsible lifestyle to ensure the sustainability of natural resources for generations to come," added Al Tayer.
The annual Peak Load campaign, whose theme this year is 'Change begins with us', is one of those initiatives to increase awareness among Dubai residents and encourage them to adopt a sustainable way of living in using electricity and water. Using electric appliances during peak hours, from 12-6pm in the summer months adds to the load on the power grid.
The campaign urges individuals to limit using appliances that consume a lot of electricity such as irons, washing and dryer machines, dishwashers, water heaters, and electric ovens during peak-load hours. DEWA encourages the public to use them in the mornings or evenings whenever possible. For example, air-conditioning uses 60% of the total electricity load. Reducing air-conditioning use or increasing the temperature even slightly, benefits customers by reducing their electricity bills, and increases the overall efficiency of the electrical system.
Reducing electricity use during peak-load hours contributes to improving the efficiency and reliability of the transmission and distribution networks and helps reduce the amount of fuel needed to produce energy. This supports DEWA's efforts to reduce the Emirate's footprint and enhance the happiness and well-being of residents and provides an ideal and healthy environment for living, work, and tourism.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan, DEWA launched an awareness campaign targeting individuals and organisations in Dubai. It worked with the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities to spread the importance of conservation at Friday sermons and seminars held at a number of mosques. It also cooperated with Dubai Tourism for labour camps and worked with the Dubai International Holy Qur'an Award. DEWA's conservation team set awareness booths in a number of Etihad cooperatives, Lulu Hypermarket, Dragon Mart, and a number of government departments. The team advised visitors on how to conserve natural resources by using them carefully. DEWA also cooperated with other government departments to organise awareness lectures for their staff to encourage a culture of sensible use and establish it as a daily practice.
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For more information, please contact:
Ribal Dayekh or Noora Khoory
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
+9714 307 2006 or 515 1784
ribal.dayekh@dewa.gov.ae
noora.khoory@dewa.gov.ae
Mutasem Shadid or Mazen Alebrahem
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
+9714 450 7675 or 450 7613
Mutasem.shadid@bm.com
Mazen.Alebrahem@bm.com
© Press Release 2015
