Energy

The hydrocarbons sector accounts for about 80% of all government revenues in the UAE. However, the sector’s GDP share varies substantially, from over 50% in Abu Dhabi to less than 6% in Dubai. Given its modest hydrocarbons endowment, Dubai continues to import most of its energy feedstock. The emirate is working to diversify its energy mix on both the supply and demand side. With 70% of electricity use in the emirate’s buildings committed to cooling, developing efficiencies in this market segment is a main focus of the demand side management strategy, and as a result of this, the district cooling service market is expected to reach 30% penetration at the individual level. Meanwhile, an expansion in production capacity at desalination plants looks set to meet growing demand for water.

This chapter contains interviews with Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; Saeed Khoory, CEO, Emirates National Oil Company; and Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO, Empower.