Launch programme to reduce energy consumption in DIFC facilities

Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO), a DEWA venture established to make Dubai built environment an example of energy efficiency, has announced signing an agreement with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint of the properties owned by the DIFC.

The agreement is part of Etihad ESCO’s mandate to meet the growing need for energy-efficient solutions in Dubai’s new projects, the announcement added.

Under the terms of the agreement, Etihad ESCO, designated as a Super ESCO (Energy Service Company), is reportedly concluding the feasibility study via an evaluation of the existing DIFC-owned built facilities and has identified areas of sustainable energy savings. It said that it will subsequently initiate a competitive selection process to identify the ESCOs that have been tasked with implementing energy saving measures and upgrading the 15 existing DIFC buildings.

It will also provide financing, project management services and performance services throughout the duration of the agreement to ensure the final upgrades conform to international energy-saving standards, Etihad ESCO revealed.

HE Saeed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), MD and CEO of DEWA, and Chairman of Etihad ESCO, said: “Our strategic collaboration with the DIFC will serve to further solidify partnerships between the public and private sectors through Energy Performance Contracting in Dubai and enable us to provide new business opportunities for joint ventures, encourage international partnerships, and engage budding entrepreneurs in the field. We also aim to support and encourage partnerships within the private sector to strengthen Dubai’s status as a global smart and sustainable city.”

Commenting on the signing, HE Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said: “We are pleased to be working with Etihad ESCO to promote Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum’s ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development’ initiative launched in the Emirate. It is essential that any developments within the DIFC district incorporate sustainable, long-term energy solutions in line with global standards and in support of Dubai’s vision to become an internationally-recognised energy-efficient city.”