The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy expands Solar Energy Self-Supply Policy to residential sector
ABU DHABI, UAE, 31 March 2026: The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy said it has launched the second phase of its Solar Energy Self-Supply Policy, expanding its scope to include the residential sector for the first time in Abu Dhabi. Making the announcement through a Press Release, the authority said the policy covers villa owners and residential buildings, where applicable, enabling them to generate and store electricity from rooftop solar systems and integrate its usage efficiently with the grid.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy said the initiative forms part of its mandate to develop policies and regulatory frameworks that advance the transition towards a more efficient and sustainable energy system, while promoting the adoption of smart and flexible solutions for energy production and consumption. The authority added that the initiative builds on the success of the policy’s first phase, which was launched during the World Government Summit in February and enabled owners of farms, rest houses and ranches to benefit from solar energy solutions for self-generation and storage of electricity, improving consumption efficiency.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy said the expansion reflects the growing uptake of renewable energy solutions among customers and aligns with national objectives to meet increasing demand for energy through advanced solutions serving all sectors. The authority added that the new phase focuses on facilitating adoption through a simplified regulatory framework that streamlines installation and grid connection procedures alongside the standardisation of technical requirements to ensure high levels of safety and operational efficiency.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy said that, in line with the first phase of the policy, it has issued a policy on the procurement of efficient consumption appliances, providing a practical framework to support individuals and entities in purchasing and operating the most efficient solutions based on actual performance data and total lifecycle cost. The authority added that the policy covers key systems that impact consumption efficiency, including air conditioning and cooling, water heating, lighting and electrical appliances as well as pumps, motors and irrigation systems. The authority further said the policy highlights best operational practices, smart control solutions and regular maintenance, contributing to reduced energy and water consumption, lower peak loads and enhanced economic and environmental efficiency.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy said the second phase of the policy enables customers to meet a significant share of their daily energy consumption during daylight hours and allows them to store electricity through battery storage systems. The authority added that this reduces pressure on the grid and improves electricity load management across the emirate.
H.E. Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Obaidli, Director General, Regulatory Affairs, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, said: “The second phase of the Solar Energy Self-Supply Policy represents a significant step in advancing the policy’s implementation, integrating the residential sector to enhance energy consumption efficiency and support the integration of the power system. We are strengthening partnerships in the transition towards clean energy, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable energy mix by empowering a broader segment of society.”
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy said the policy reflects its commitment to accelerating the adoption of advanced energy solutions, supporting system efficiency and contributing to the emirate’s Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy 2030 targets. The authority added that the policy embodies an integrated approach combining regulatory frameworks, technical solutions and behavioural measures to enhance efficiency at both the consumer and system levels.