ABU DHABI, UAE, 18 January 2023: The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) said that in line with its responsibility to regulate and ensure the energy sector’s sustainability in Abu Dhabi, and in accordance with international best practices and standards, it has unveiled a new ‘Water Management in District Cooling Plants’ policy. Making the announcement through a Press release, the DoE said the new policy supports and continues the DC Regulatory Framework it issued in 2019.

According to the DoE, the new policy aims to regulate the mechanism of identifying potential sources of water that can be used by District Cooling providers, such as recycled water, desalinated water and sea water. This would allow for the usage of low-cost sources that have been deemed to be of acceptable quality after evaluating their capital and operational economic feasibility, the DoE said. It will also pave the way for evaluation of its compatibility with water discharge standards and environmental regulations to ensure their suitability for use in District Cooling systems, the DoE added.

Under the new policy, water sources can be used in District Cooling systems if proven to be the most feasible and cost-effective source, the DoE said. This requires prior planning, in accordance with relevant water codes, as well as ensuring availability of installations needed to meet the demand, the DoE said. The policy allows for a blend of water sources, provided the quality levels required for District Cooling plant operations are met, the DoE said.

H.E. Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the DoE, said: As part of our endeavour to implement Abu Dhabi’s Demand-Side Management and Energy Rationalization 2030 Strategy, we continue to enable initiatives that support energy efficiency and help protect consumers and the environment. District Cooling is one of the most critical areas that contribute significantly to achieving energy efficiency, providing nine per cent in overall energy savings against BAU baseline value.”

H.E. Al Rumaithi pointed out that the new policy helps overcome water sustainability challenges through cooperation among concerned entities to find appropriate alternatives that support District Cooling operations in the emirate.

Carlos Gascó Travesedo, Acting Executive Director of Energy Policy, DoE, said: “District Cooling is known for its low electricity consumption, which reduces pressure on the infrastructure required to generate electricity. It also mitigates fuel, operation and maintenance costs of power stations, ensuring high savings in energy, cost reduction and environmental protection.

At the same time, these systems consume substantial amounts of water to compensate for water losses resulting from evaporation, droplet drifts and blowdown in cooling towers. Hence, it was necessary to allow District Cooling companies and providers to explore feasible water sources that best suit their needs.”

Travesedo pointed out that the District Cooling capacity in Abu Dhabi is approximately 600,000 RT (Refrigerated Tons), which consumes 150,000 cubic metres of desalinated water per day. This is equivalent to about five per cent of the emirate’s total daily demand, he said. The adoption of recycled water and sea water will reduce pressure on desalinated water, he said. However, he said, it is necessary to ensure that recycled water is available wherever it is technically and commercially feasible.