EtihadWE has teamed up with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) on a joint initiative designed to encourage the adoption of renewable energy across the Northern Emirates.
The Distributed Solar System (DSS) project allows EtihadWE customers to harness solar energy through rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on their properties. The generated power, WAM reported, will be redirected back into the grid, thereby boosting the region’s renewable energy supply.
This initiative is in line with the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, aimed at advancing sustainable and clean energy development within the UAE’s energy sector.
Project launch and feasibility
Launched in July 2023, the project began with a feasibility study to evaluate the financial and technical implications of connecting DSS to the grid. In partnership with MoEI, EtihadWE has developed regulations and technical guidelines for the systems.
As the certified installer, EtihadWE will engage approved contractors to install the solar panels, ensuring adherence to the latest safety standards.
Read more: UAE’s investment in clean energy reaches over $12.25 billion, says minister Al Mazrouei
Benefits for customers
Through this initiative, EtihadWE customers from residential, industrial, and agricultural sectors will be able to install rooftop PV systems, generating their own solar power. Although customers won’t directly use the energy produced by their solar panels, they will enjoy lower energy bills as a benefit of contributing to the renewable energy grid.
Participants in the initiative will have two meters: one for measuring energy exported to the grid and another for energy imported. Furthermore, monthly measurements will compare exported and imported energy. If exports exceed imports, the surplus energy will be credited to the customer’s account for use within the same year.
Additionally, this initiative is part of a long-term strategy to improve access to renewable energy in the Northern Emirates, aiming to create a sustainable energy supply that minimizes carbon footprints and promotes cleaner energy sources.
Community engagement in sustainability
Sharif Al Olama, under-secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, remarked that the DSS project represents a significant step toward the UAE’s transition to clean energy sources. He further emphasized that it demonstrates the commitment to accelerating the deployment of renewable energy and furthering the country’s sustainable development goals. He expressed satisfaction in partnering with EtihadWE on this initiative, which he believes will encourage greater community involvement in creating a sustainable and energy-secure future.
He also noted that the project aligns with the long-term goals of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to increase the share of clean energy generation to 32 percent. This, he indicated, is essential for meeting the country’s target of tripling the share of renewable energy by 2030, in accordance with the UAE Consensus. Such initiatives, he suggested, play a crucial role in enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness on a global scale.
Embracing new technologies
Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, indicated that the major solar initiative represents an important advancement in the company’s efforts to enhance renewable energy in the Northern Emirates. He further mentioned that EtihadWE is adopting new technologies to improve operations, products, offerings, and customer service, thereby reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
He also highlighted that the project reflects the company’s dedication to aligning its strategic approach with the UAE government’s directives for transitioning to a future powered by sustainable energy.
Economic benefits for businesses
Moreover, for businesses, the project will help reduce operational costs and foster the development of more sustainable business models, starting with industrial customers in its initial phase.
EtihadWE also plans to conduct a series of workshops to educate customers about the initiative and its advantages, encouraging wider adoption of solar energy solutions.
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