Avoiding Fee Hikes for Sustainable Development
Water and Electricity Fee Hikes Avoided for Sustainable Development
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Energy has announced that there are no plans to increase water and electricity fees to reduce consumption, according to Mouza Al Neimi, Director of Productivity and Demand Management at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Instead, the ministry is focusing on encouraging behavioral changes and adopting sustainable technologies. Significant progress in energy efficiency over the past three years has rendered fee increases unnecessary.
Sustainable Energy Consumption and CO2 Reduction
According to Al Neimi, the national demand-side management program reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 11.2 million tons in recent years. This success is attributed to the modernization of existing buildings and equipment, alongside the application of energy-efficient solutions. The ministry will continue to follow this strategy in the execution of national plans.
The Future of Electric Vehicles in the UAE
One of the ministry's main objectives is to have electric vehicles (EVs) constitute 50% of all vehicles in the country by 2050. Additionally, the government aims to fully transition its vehicle fleet to electric by 2030. Currently, 3% of vehicles in the UAE are electric, one of the highest rates globally compared to larger countries where the rate is only 1.5%.
Energy Efficiency Investments and Initiatives
Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has announced projects totaling around 465 million dirhams to upgrade the network in the Northern Emirates. This includes 214 million dirhams allocated for network replacement in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and over 180 million dirhams for the installation of smart metering systems. Over the next five years, 120 electric vehicle fast chargers will be installed in RAK, aiming for 1,000 stations nationwide by 2030.
Additional measures include replacing 42 kilometers of aged pipeline and installing 213,000 advanced meters, enabling more accurate tracking and quick repair of water leaks.
Ras Al Khaimah's Sustainability Achievements
RAK's urban and public service departments have introduced several innovative initiatives. By optimizing routes and equipping waste containers with smart sensors, fuel savings of 25% have been achieved for the waste collection fleet. Energy-efficient building upgrades have reduced municipal building energy consumption by 23.5%.
New Technologies and Waste Management Solutions
As part of sustainability efforts, RAK is implementing Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) technology, converting waste into an alternative fuel for cement plants. Furthermore, the municipality has constructed over 3,500 new buildings with energy-efficient designs, resulting in additional long-term savings.
Future Goals and Global Leadership
The UAE aims to reduce national electricity consumption by 30% and water and fuel usage by 20% by 2030. Behavioral changes, innovation, and technological advancements play central roles in achieving these targets, setting an international example in sustainability.
The UAE's sustainability efforts represent significant environmental and economic advancements, while preserving natural resources for future generations.
