The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), hosted the Industrial Energy Efficiency Roundtable during the “Make it in the Emirates” forum (MIITE).
This roundtable brought together federal and local government entities, leaders from the private sector, and technology providers to explore actionable strategies for enhancing energy efficiency within the industrial sector.
The discussion underscored the significance of the UAE’s industrial sector as a foundational element of national economic development. It was noted that, as the nation accelerates its transition towards a net-zero future, enhancing energy efficiency in manufacturing and heavy industry is crucial. However, the challenge lies in reducing emissions without compromising productivity, job creation, or competitiveness.
Eng. Sharif Al Olama, undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, remarked, “As the global community pushes forward toward a net-zero future, the UAE continues to lead with vision and action. Our industrial sector is both a cornerstone of national economic growth and a key player in the decarbonization journey.”
He continued, “Globally, industry consumes more than 30 percent of all energy and is responsible for roughly a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. In the UAE, the industrial sector accounts for around 60 percent of total national energy consumption. This figure illustrates the magnitude of the opportunity before us: by improving industrial energy efficiency, we not only reduce emissions but also enhance competitiveness, resilience, and cost savings.”
Launch of Federal Energy Management Regulation
Al Olama pointed out that over the past year, MoEI launched the Federal Energy Management Regulation for Industrial Facilities, establishing a clear legal and technical framework for enhancing energy performance across the sector.
In partnership with MoIAT, MoEI developed and launched the Industry Registry Platform—a centralized digital solution designed to monitor energy consumption and promote accountability and transparency in industrial operations.
Osama Amir Fadhel, assistant undersecretary of the Industry Accelerators Sector at MoIAT, stated, “Since its establishment, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology has focused on creating an environment conducive to sustainable industrial growth and promoting industrial technological transformation. This supports the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, in collaboration with partners from both the public and private sectors. In this context, the Ministry has launched a series of programs and initiatives that promote sustainability.”
Boosting competitiveness and investment
He added that the Ministry has introduced the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap as a comprehensive national initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the industrial sector. Additionally, the Industrial Sustainability Alliance was established to boost the adoption of green technologies, uniting leading companies to develop sustainable solutions and enabling firms to enhance their manufacturing capabilities.
This initiative supports the growth and competitiveness of the industrial sector, attracts new investments, drives self-sufficiency, strengthens supply chains, and promotes the localization of industries.
Fadhel also emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure on the Energy Demand Side Management project, as well as the integration of the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) with the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program through the Green ICV Initiative, which aims to promote sustainability practices across value chains.
Moreover, a product conformity platform was launched, alongside other initiatives that reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to a clear vision for a prosperous, resilient, and sustainable industrial sector that significantly contributes to the national GDP.
