Utilities

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.