Utilities
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2013
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With rapid population growth and an increasingly diverse economy, demand for utilities – including electricity, water and wastewater services – has grown considerably in recent years. The sector will need to continue expanding at around 6-10% to meet growing water and electricity demand, meaning that utilities provision remains a top priority. Furthermore, while the vast majority of Abu Dhabi’s electricity today is generated by gas-fired power plants, the government remains committed to the development of renewable energy sources; the emirate plans to have 7% of its electricity-generating capacity sourced from renewables by 2020, with solar power featuring prominently in the mix. In addition to these developments, Abu Dhabi is taking steps to encourage a reduction in consumption, with energy conservation an increasingly high priority. This chapter includes interviews with Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA); and Nicholas Carter, Director-General, Regulation and Supervision Bureau.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

The essentials: As economic growth continues, projects are under way to ensure adequate support
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With rapid population growth and an increasingly diverse economy, Abu Dhabi’s utilities demand – including electricity, water and wastewater services – has grown considerably in recent years. The sector will need to expand at around 6-10% to meet growing water and electricity demand, meaning that utilities provision remains a top priority. Alongside meeting demand growth by increasing fossil fuel capacity, Abu Dhabi has taken steps to invest in low-carbon options such as nuclear energy,…

Interview

OBG talks to Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA)
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Interview: Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi How are extended deadlines for residential and industrial projects helping relieve utilities demand? ABDULLA SAIF AL NUAIMI: Over the past few years, peak electricity demand has grown around 12% annually. Our master plan is updated regularly to reflect new and existing projects. As part of our five-year plan, ADWEA will support industrial projects like the capacity expansion of some Abu Dhabi National Oil Company subsidiaries and Emirates Steel. Such developments…

Interview

OBG talks to Nicholas Carter, Director-General, Regulation and Supervision Bureau
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Interview: Nicholas Carter What changes do you expect to see in water and electricity production and management in order to meet demand in the future? NICHOLAS CARTER: A diversified portfolio is crucial to any power sector, and by 2020 there will be a broader feedstock mix for electricity generation. First, there will be a diversification of gas sources. Currently, most gas used for generation is from Dolphin Energy, but in the future we will also have more gas coming from GASCO through the Shah…

Analysis

Future fuel: Efforts continue to expand renewable energy offerings
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While the vast majority of Abu Dhabi’s electricity today is generated by gas-fired power plants, the government remains committed to the development of renewable energy sources. The emirate has also taken steps to establish nuclear energy plants, with the first of four facilities expected to come on-line in 2017. Both renewable and nuclear energy could help Abu Dhabi meet future electricity demands without having to source new or additional supplies of natural gas. GREEN GOALS: The emirate…

Analysis

Waste not, want not: The sewage system is getting some necessary upgrades
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The collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater are important functions of developed economies. These responsibilities are handled by Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC), a government entity, but the private sector has taken a greater role of late, building and operating four new wastewater treatment plants. The government remains the primary player, with ADSSC overseeing the expansion of sewer tunnels. SYSTEM STRUCTURE: ADSSC is the institution primarily responsible for sewerage…

Analysis

Making it count: Energy conservation is an increasingly high priority
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With peak demand for electricity expected to more than double between 2011 and 2020, Abu Dhabi is taking steps to encourage a reduction in consumption. This would not only lessen the government’s burden when it comes to subsidising electricity prices, it could also obviate, or at least reduce, the need to invest in new power generation capacity. To meet its goal of reducing energy demand, the emirate has implemented a number of different conservation efforts, including educating consumers…