Dubai will establish a new energy agency next year as a means of increasing energy efficiency across the emirate while securing its long-term economic growth.
The Dubai Energy Agency will work to promote low-carbon industries and attract foreign investment in renewables, working as a facilitator between between industry, government, consumers and other energy stakeholders in the emirate.
The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) has signed a contract with Germany’s second largest power company RWE and the consulting firm Oliver Wyman to establish the new agency, and to implement several energy efficiency programmes across the emirate, RWE announced yesterday.
“We are pleased that the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy has also opted for our expertise,” said Norbert Verweyen, the managing director of RWE Effizienz.
“Over the past few years, we have gained a level of consulting expertise in this innovative field that is increasingly attracting international attention.”
The DSCE could not be reached for comment. An Oliver Wyman spokeswoman declined to comment.
The Dubai Energy Agency will be a key component of Dubai's Intergrated Energy Strategy, launched by the emirate in 2011, which aims to reduce energy demand by 30 per cent by 2030 and diversify the energy mix with 71 per cent from natural gas, 24 per cent from nuclear and clean coal, and 5 per cent from solar energy.
Before the agency’s launch next year, RWE and Oliver Wyman will assist the DSCE with the implementation of eight energy efficiency programmes via a joint project office in collaboration with state agencies and authorities, according to RWE.
These projects involve the state energy utility, city administration, road transport and traffic authority and a newly established energy efficiency company, the company said.
The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy was formed in 2009 under Law 19 of 2009, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the council consists of senior executives representing energy stakeholders including Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, the Department of Oil Affairs, Dubai Aluminium and the Dubai Nuclear Energy Committee.
jeverington@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @Ind_Insights
