Energy

Hydrocarbons continue to meet the large bulk of Dubai’s energy needs, with the UAE sitting on 5.8% of the world’s crude oil reserves. However, the UAE Vision 2021 sets out goals including the reduction of the emirate’s carbon footprint and a desire to play a pioneering role in the development of energy-efficient technologies. The 1200-MW Hassyan clean coal power plant is expected to come on-stream by 2021, while solar power has also begun to play an increasingly prominent role in the sector. The first 13-MW solar plant opened in 2014, and a further 200 MW is anticipated by 2016, with the whole solar park expected to have a capacity of 1000 MW by 2030. In March 2014, new green building regulations were introduced, which included requirements that 50% of external glazing must be north-facing, 5% of construction materials should be recycled, and smart meters should be used for water and electricity.

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