Sharjah 24 – WAM:
The Emirates Water and Electricity Company is advancing its plans to establish a more sustainable system for water and electricity production. With an ambitious target to reduce overall carbon emissions from these processes by over 45% by 2035, the company is also expanding its solar energy capabilities, energy storage systems, and reverse osmosis desalination.
This initiative aligns with Zero Emissions Day, observed annually on 21 September, which emphasises the importance of reducing emissions and enhancing reliance on clean, renewable energy sources.
Recent reports from the company regarding its water and electricity systems indicate a projected reduction in total emissions from approximately 42 million tonnes in 2019 to about 23 million tonnes by 2035. This significant decrease is anticipated despite an estimated 70% increase in annual electricity demand from 2026 to 2033.
The company aims to enhance solar power capacity in Abu Dhabi to 14 gigawatts by 2030, with expectations of exceeding 35 gigawatts by 2035. This expansion will be supported by around 15 gigawatts of energy storage capacity, thereby reducing dependence on gas-fired generation plants.
Mohamed Al Marzouqi, CEO of Assets at Emirates Water and Electricity Company, stated that the company’s strategic planning is focused on expanding water and energy infrastructure to match the country’s economic growth while achieving substantial emissions reductions. He underscored that projects in solar energy, storage batteries, and reverse osmosis desalination are fundamental to achieving these objectives.
In the water sector, the company anticipates that reverse osmosis projects will contribute over 95% of total water production by 2035. This approach will facilitate the separation of electricity generation from water desalination and lead to a reduction in associated emissions.
The company’s current and upcoming project portfolio includes several strategic ventures, such as the Al Dhafra and Al Ajban solar photovoltaic power plants, each with a capacity of 1.5 gigawatts, and the “Hourglass” project, which integrates photovoltaic solar energy with energy storage systems.
These initiatives support the strategic objectives of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy for clean energy by 2035, as well as the UAE’s strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.