RetrofitTech Dubai Summit reveals ambitious new energy efficiency targets set in Dubai

More than 1 million Tons of Carbon Dioxide will be abated by 2030 and 1.7 TWh of electricity will be saved by the same year in Dubai - according to the new targets revealed by Dubai’s Etihad Energy Services Company, Etihad ESCO, at the 4th annual RetrofitTech Dubai Summit & Awards which began today.

The event highlighted the growing investments being made and projects being established to help save electricity, reduce water consumption and raise awareness on energy efficiency in Dubai.

Ali Al-Jassim, CEO of Etihad ESCO revealed targets to have 5.6 billion imperial gallons of water saved by 2030 through new initiatives. Solar projects were also a key focus of the event which showed that 1,000 kWp will be generated on the rooftops of Dubai World Trade Center as well as 3,000 kWp from solar panels on the roofs of 640 villas in Hatta. Al-Jassim focused on how through such projects, Dubai will become a role model in energy efficiency by implementing cost-effective electricity and water demand saving measures, as well as developing a green service market.

He also stated that the partnership with the British University in Dubai, supported by Dubai Supreme Council, is a complete success embracing training programs for executive managers, engineers, technicians and financiers. The program is planned to add the solar sector and reach out to the GCC countries.

Case studies during the event showed how DEWA has made 30% energy savings through retrofit projects as well as 2 million AED a year in monetary savings. This was a result of replacement of chiller plants, significant retrofit of HVAC systems and retrofit of seven DEWA buildings in Dubai. 

Lighting was analysed as a key aspect of energy efficiency and described as a ‘low hanging fruit’ during the event. It was shown how lighting can have an important impact on energy savings with the example of Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Limited’s project. It involved lighting retrofit of 1,656 villas and 110,000 lighting fixtures leading to energy savings of a remarkable 80% as well as 0.57 million AED a year.

Al-Jassim commented: “It is important that we continue raising awareness in Dubai on the benefits of retrofitting and its positive impact on the environment. We are working closely with residential groups, government, commercial entities and industrial organizations to provide support and assistance on education around energy efficiency and sustainability. This event goes a long way in spreading the message and in setting new targets for the future.”

“We have launched the Dubai Energy Efficiency Training Program which is a consortium of three local and international partners who will deliver 19 training sessions, offering 12 certifications for members. Initiatives like these will help educate and motivate people to consider changes in technology that will lead to more energy efficient buildings across the Emirate,” added Al-Jassim. 

It was also revealed for the first time that Etihad ESCO has signed its first project outside of Dubai in Abu Dhabi to retrofit two industrial facilities.

Another significant announcement was that Etihad ESCO will now manage the building labelling scheme for existing buildings under the leadership of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the regulation of Dubai RSB.

The premier thought leadership event, being held from 10 to 11 April at Roda Al Bustan Hotel, Dubai, showcased some of the latest innovation and retrofit technology being introduced to the market and the sustainability benefits being gained from the billions of dollars of investment that have been made in the Emirates.

The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy has set the goal of reducing energy demand by 30% by 2030 and to retrofit 30,000 buildings by the same year. Retrofitting and refurbishing existing buildings have been identified as core strategies to reduce overall energy demand. 

Hosted and strategically endorsed by Etihad ESCO and TAQATI, The 4th annual RetrofitTech Dubai Summit & Awards gathered more than 250 attendees and 45 industry experts to discuss, debate and find innovative ways to deliver on the UAE’s retrofit programme for buildings.

Solution providers like Sylvania, Honeywell, Quantum Eurostar, Siemens, Daikin, Weber, Kimmco Isover, Talisen International, Belimo, Armstrong, Dow, ABB, Envirofina, Opple Lighting, City Care Energy Solutions, Taqeef, Optima, NVC Lighting, Madico, CU Phosco, Ledvance, Smart Automation Energy, Auto Millennium Group, Farnel, Al Yousuf Engineering, Emirates Insolaire, Kromatix, Edge Technology, LPA Lighting, Environmental Solutions & Consultancy, Duserve, Mistbox, Luceco and Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies all showcased their retrofitting products and solutions to more than 250 professionals in the market.

This prestigious event also included a dedicated awards ceremony that recognised and celebrated excellence and achievements in this field.