The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), hosted a panel discussion on the Federal Regulation for Energy Management in Industrial Facilities on the first day of the Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) Forum. The first-of-its-kind in the industrial sector, the regulation supports operational excellence in energy management to reduce consumption and accelerate decarbonization among industrial companies.
The discussion addressed the impact of regulation on the industrial sector and the roadmap towards sustainable development. The session showcased incentives and enablers developed to enhance energy efficiency and drive positive change across the industrial sector.
National objectives
His Excellency Eng Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for Electricity, Water and Future Energy Sector at MoEI, said: “The workshop provides stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss the impact of the Federal Regulation for Energy Management in Industrial Facilities in supporting the objectives of the National Energy and Water Demand Side Management Program. The regulation aims to reduce energy demand by 33%, improve air quality by 32% and contribute to the equivalent of a 63-million-ton reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 across the industrial sector.”
His Excellency emphasized the role of constructive discussions and feedback in the development of the regulation, and the commitment to cooperating with various stakeholders for a more sustainable future, and that MoEI reiterates its commitment to advancing sustainability and promoting dialogue between stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the regulation.
His Excellency added: “These discussions play a key role in enhancing regulation and reflect the importance of cooperating with stakeholders for a more sustainable future. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is committed to advancing sustainability and fostering a dialogue between stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.”
His Excellency said: “The regulation reflects the ministries’ commitment to pioneering the shift towards the sustainable use of resources and promoting innovation in energy management. The national program seeks to create an integrated, sustainable industrial ecosystem that contributes to achieving the UAE’s environmental and economic objectives.”
He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainability, noting: “This regulation is an essential step towards enhancing the country's ability to address energy and climate change challenges, in addition to stimulating green economic growth by developing a sustainable, energy-efficient industrial sector.”
Promoting innovation
His Excellency Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary of the Industry Accelerators Sector at MoIAT, said: “The National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300bn, comprises initiatives and programs such as the roadmap for decarbonization in the industrial sector, which was launched by MoIAT with the aim of reducing emissions in the sector by 93% by 2050, where enhancing energy efficiency is one of the main pillars of decarbonization, concentrating on increase investment attractiveness, as well as support growth and competitiveness in the national industrial sector.
“Our collaboration with MoEI, as well as local government and private sector partners, is aimed at launching initiatives that support industrial sustainability. This includes enhancing legislation, regulations, and systems, in addition to promoting the adoption of technological transformation programs across the industrial sector in line with the Make it in the Emirates initiative. These efforts enhance the investment attractiveness and competitiveness of industrial companies, while reducing energy costs by encouraging factories to follow sustainability best practices.”
His Excellency added: “The ministry attaches great importance to regulating energy consumption across industry, which is an energy intensive sector. The Federal Regulation on Energy Management in Industrial Facilities is in line with the MIITE Forum's innovation pillar to encourage companies to identify technology solutions for energy efficiency. This will be reflected in the development of technologies that create more investment opportunities and help reduce energy costs for industrial facilities.”
In 2023, MoIAT and MoEI, in cooperation with Schneider Electric, launched the results of a nationwide assessment of industrial companies to enhance energy efficiency and the sector’s contribution to sustainability. The assessment surveyed industrial facilities across the energy, metals, food and beverage, chemicals, paper, and wood sectors, among others.