Supreme Energy Council gives green light to expansion of energy and water efficiency initiatives in Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoumchairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), chaired the 81st meeting of the Council, which was held virtually in the presence of Saeed Mohammed Al TayerVice President of the Dubai Supreme Energy Council.

The meeting was also attended by Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary General of the Dubai Supreme Energy Council, and board members Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Abdulla bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA); Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC); Juan-Pablo Freile, CEO of Dubai Petroleum; and Ahmad Mahboub, acting executive director of the strategy and corporate governance sector at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The Council reviewed updates to the Demand side management strategy for 2030 and 2050, that establish well-studied objectives to reduce water and electricity consumption and link them to effective programs in sustainable construction activities, building modernization, efficient operation of industrial and government facilities, and the use of treated wastewater, external lighting and cooling. This is part of efforts to make Dubai a leading example of efficient energy and water demand management.

Al-Tayer said that in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to promote a green economy and sustainable development, the Council periodically reviews programs to reduce water and electricity consumption with the participation of public and private organizations. These efforts aim to achieve standards and mechanisms that demonstrate the effectiveness of their implementation and the percentages that have been achieved in the management of energy resources.

Al-Muhairbi He noted that the regular updating of existing strategies in the Council reflects the degrees of achievement of the objectives set to ensure the effectiveness of existing programs, in line with the desired objectives in the areas of sustainable development for Dubai.

The Council also discussed recommendations to support the strategic direction to increase electric vehicle charging station infrastructure across the Emirate.

The Council hopes to support private companies in the construction and installation of charging stations according to the public-private partnership model. At the end of last January, the number of electric and hybrid vehicles in Dubai reached 49,300 vehicles and more than 390 charging stations were installed. This will increase in the coming years.

News source: Emirates News Agency