Abu Dhabi Department of Energy unveils the ‘Water

Management in District Cooling Plants’ policy to

promote district cooling system and decrease energy
consumption
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Abu Dhabi Department of Energy unveils the ‘Water Management in District Cooling Plants’ policy. 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. Carlos Gascó Travesedo, Acting Executive
Director of Energy Policy at 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."
Key Highlights:
* District cooling is one of the most critical areas that contribute significantly to achieving energy efficiency, providing
9% in overall energy savings against BAU baseline value.
* The district cooling capacity in Abu Dhabi is approximately 600,000 RT (Refrigerant Tons), which consumes
150,000 cubic meters of desalinated water per day.
* This is equivalent to about 5% of the emirate’s total daily demand.
Original Press Release:
ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 18 -- Abu Dhabi Department of Energy issued the following news release:
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, the Department of Energy (DoE) has announced its new
‘Water Management in District Cooling Plants’ policy. This new policy supports and continues the DC Regulatory
Framework that it issued in 2019.
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. and 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.
Under the new policy, Water sources can be used in district cooling systems if it proves to be the most feasible and
cost-effective source. This requires prior planning in accordance with relevant water codes as well as ensuring
availability of installations needed to meet the demand. The policy allows for a blend of water sources, provided the
quality levels required for district cooling plant operations are met.
His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Energy, reaffirmed: 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 9% in overall energy savings against BAU baseline value.” His Excellency pointed out that the
‘Water Management in District Cooling Plants’ policy helps overcome water sustainability challenges through
cooperation among concerned entities to find appropriate alternatives that support district cooling operations in the

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emirate.
Carlos Gascó Travesedo, Acting Executive Director of Energy Policy at 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 added that the district cooling capacity in Abu Dhabi is approximately 600,000 RT (Refrigerant Tons),
which consumes 150,000 cubic meters of desalinated water per day. This is equivalent to about 5% of the emirate’s
total daily demand. The adoption of recycled water and sea water will reduce pressure on desalinated water.
However, it is necessary to ensure that recycled water is available wherever it is technically and commercially
feasible.
[Category: Security &Alarm Services, Infrastructure, Water Utilities, Regulatory and Legal, ESG, New Offerings]
Source: Abu Dhabi Department of Energy

DETAILS

Subject: Energy efficiency; Infrastructure; Environmental protection; Electricity; Energy

industry; Cost control; Maintenance costs; Energy policy

Business indexing term: Subject: Infrastructure Energy industry Cost control Maintenance costs Energy policy

Location: Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates; United Arab Emirates

Company / organization: Name: Department of Energy; NAICS: 926130

Publication title: UAE Government News; New Delhi

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: Jan 18, 2023

Publisher: Athena Information Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Place of publication: New Delhi

Country of publication: India, New Delhi

Publication subject: Political Science

Source type: Wire Feed

Language of publication: English

Document type: News

ProQuest document ID: 2768983213

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Last updated: 2023-01-25

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