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Dubai updates energy savings target

2 July 2024

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Dubai has updated its Demand Side Management Strategy (DSM) to include targets for 2050.

The current target entails achieving at least 30% savings in electricity and water consumption by 2030. The amended target now includes increasing the savings to 50%, while also setting a target for transport fuel consumption savings by 2050.

“The Demand Side Management Strategy 2050 aims to establish Dubai as a global benchmark for energy efficiency by doubling efficiency improvements to achieve savings of at least 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050 compared to business as usual in electricity, water use, as well as achieving significant savings in transport fuel consumption,” state utility Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa) said in a statement on 2 July.

The amendment aligns with a directive issued by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), for a new DSM 2050 strategy.

According to DSCE secretary-general Ahmed Buti Al-Mehairbi, the updated strategy aims to contribute to achieving electricity savings of at least 86.8 terawatt-hours (TWh) and water savings of at least 383.2 billion imperial gallons by 2050 compared to 2023 updated business as usual (BAU).

It also aims to achieve transport fuel consumption savings of at least 1,757 million litres by 2050 compared to 2013 BAU as the base year.

The DSM 2050 focuses on seven implementing mechanisms: policies and regulations; data, measurement and verification; government support and leadership; awareness and recognition; financing; research, development and innovation; and freezone alignment and collaboration.

The updated DSM includes 12 programmes. These are:

  • Net-zero ready – new buildings
  • Building retrofits
  • Commercial and government sector efficiency
  • Industrial sector efficiency
  • Outdoor lighting
  • Efficient cooling
  • Standards and labels
  • Consumer behaviour
  • Distributed energy
  • Recycled water use and efficiency
  • Efficient mobility and smart charging
  • Fuel and engine efficiency

The DSCE has been implementing the DSM since 2013 in collaboration with related organisations.

In addition to Dewa, other entities involved in implementing the strategy include Dubai Municipality, the Roads & Transport Authority, Dubai Economy & Tourism, Etihad Energy Services, the Regulatory & Supervisory Bureau for Electricity & Water, the Industry & Advanced Technology Ministry, the Dubai Free Zones Council, and other government and private sector entities.

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Jennifer Aguinaldo

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