Private property owners can become electricity generators

Abu Dhabi, 28, September, 2014: Abu Dhabi is leading a solar power revolution that will see the Emirate’s rooftops produce high-quality and affordable renewable energy of their own, Regulation and Supervision Bureau (the Bureau), the independent regulatory body for the water, wastewater and electricity sector of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has announced.

In this regard, Abu Dhabi has granted a number of solar power generation licences to various test sites at institutions across the Emirate, including schools, the Abu Dhabi Judiciary and the Al Ain Zoo, the announcement revealed.

A further 28 licence applications are being processed, mostly from schools falling under the Abu Dhabi Education Council, and wiring regulations were recently published allowing private property owners to generate their own electricity through solar power, the announcement added.

These installations are reportedly set to allow customers to meet their own power needs and supply any excess electricity generated back into the broader grid.

In this regard, Nick Carter, Director General of the Bureau, said: “Together with our sector partners, we have been studying 11 sites around the city of Abu Dhabi with an installed capacity of over 2 MW which have been producing electricity for over a year, using several different panels.”

The results of these small-scale solar power installations have been encouraging, and the Bureau expects to see property owners across the Emirate wishing to install their own pV panels on their roofs in the next few years, Carter claimed.

To facilitate this, the Bureau has reportedly established a regulatory framework with the two distribution companies – Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) and Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC) – to allow for the private installation and generation of electricity using pV. The framework is said to include a special Self-Regulating Licence and an inspection programme for all would-be self-generators.

“By identifying and implementing solutions that address the growing demand for energy alongside highlighting the need to conserve our water and electricity supplies through a change in consumption behaviour, the sector is making real progress to ensure sustainable resources for future generations,” Carter stated.