Pioneering energy efficiency and a sustainable future in Dubai

Eng. Faisal Ali Rashid, Senior Director- Demand Side Management – Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

Gulf Network

In recent years, Dubai has also emerged as a global leader in sustainability and energy efficiency. With a vision to secure a sustainable future for its citizens, Dubai has undertaken numerous initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint and enhancing energy conservation across all sectors.

Energy efficiency and sustainability are at the forefront of Dubai’s strategic planning. These efforts are driven by the need to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving and healthy planet. One of the key components of this vision is the Dubai Demand Side Management (DSM) Strategy, a comprehensive framework designed to optimize energy and water use while promoting long-term sustainability. Initially launched in 2013 by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) and continually updated to reflect the latest advancements and targets, the DSM Strategy exemplifies Dubai’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable development.

The updated DSM Strategy 2050 sets ambitious and clear targets for electricity, water, and fuel savings, aiming to drive Dubai towards a sustainable and energy-efficient future. By 2030, the strategy targets a 30% reduction in electricity usage, equating to 27.2 TWh, and by 2050, this goal extends to a 50% reduction, or 86.8 TWh. Similarly, for water, the targets are a 30% reduction (106.9 BIG) by 2030 and 50% (383.2 BIG) by 2050. In terms of fuel, the strategy aims for a 12% reduction (225 million litres) by 2030, progressing to a complete 100% savings (1,757 million litres) by 2050.

The strategy integrates the latest energy-efficient technologies, data analytics, and evolving consumer behaviors and sustainability awareness. This ensures the strategy’s effectiveness in achieving long-term energy savings and sustainability goals. Technological innovations, such as AI solutions leveraging IoT, smart appliances, distributed energy resources like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, solar plus battery storage, demand response, and advanced energy-efficient cooling technologies, are crucial to creating a smarter and more sustainable urban environment.

The success of the DSM Strategy hinges on robust stakeholder collaboration. Ensuring alignment with various interests, promoting support and collaboration, and enhancing the effectiveness of DSM initiatives are vital. The DSM Strategy 2050 encompasses over 60 initiatives across 12 DSM programs targeting the commercial and industrial sectors. These initiatives focus on efficient building retrofits, improved efficiency of new buildings, and the adoption of modern energy-efficient technologies such as solar-assisted cooling and smart lighting solutions.

The DSM Strategy 2050 aligns with international sustainability standards, contributing to Dubai’s global reputation as a leader in energy efficiency. By setting ambitious energy efficiency targets and integrating them with Dubai’s Net Zero commitments, Dubai enhances its global standing in sustainable development and energy management.