Dubai announces resolution on diversification of energy sources

Landmark move allows solar owners to give back to grid.

In a landmark resolution passed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Executive Council of Dubai has approved Resolution No 46 of this year to enhance the diversification of energy sources for the emirate.

As part of the city’s Smart Dubai initiative, residents and business owners who have installed solar energy panels to power their buildings can now feed the excess power generated back into the power grid.

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) has implemented the procedure and will be working on infrastructure to redistribute privately generated solar energy throughout its energy network.

“I am happy to announce that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid [Vice President and Ruler of Dubai] took into action a decision towards sustainability and preservation of the environment from pollution and resource waste,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Dewa managing director and chief executive.

“Decisions like this entrench the position of Dubai and the UAE as a global leader in the field of renewable energy as the energy grid redistribution will set an example for the world.”

Prior to the set-up, people interested in giving back needed to get prior approval by the authorities involved in the decision.

After approval, they will have to incur all the costs assessed by the authority in regards to the connections, safety equipment and electrical energy measurement hardware needed for the hook-up.

Mr Al Tayer said the decision to produce electricity in buildings and homes using solar energy through the electricity grid was a “step forward on the path of sustainability”.

He hoped it would encourage members of the community and businesses to contribute to the diversification of energy sources, as well as protecting the environment by reducing the effects of carbon emissions.