Abu Dhabi: Etihad Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has begun processing applications for its new initiative which offers lower energy consumption tariffs to technological and industrial businesses in four emirates. This is aimed at boosting industrial growth in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm Al Qaiwain.
This initiative, a result of the Industrial Development Council, chaired by Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, reflects the strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), and EWEC to enhance the business environment and empower manufacturing in the four emirates.
A helping hand for businesses
Unveiled in May 2024 at the third Make it in the Emirates Forum, the initiative is in line with the UAE’s National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. Its goal is to foster an attractive investment environment, stimulate growth, and support sustainable development in the country. The initiative is now in action, with EWEC processing 10 applications and targeting the inclusion of at least 50 industrial institutions over the next two years.
The program extends beyond financial savings. By enabling industrial companies to reduce operational and production costs, it promotes greater price competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. This, in turn, encourages the development of industrial projects in the 4 emirates.
Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of MoIAT, said that, “The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, in collaboration with partners from the public and private sectors, is focused on boosting the growth of the industrial sector and enhancing in-country value, which supports the localization of manufacturing and raising the competitiveness of manufacturing companies in the UAE.”
Al Suwaidi added that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300bn. It especially supports the Make it in the Emirates program, which aims to promote entrepreneurship and the establishment of new industrial projects, positively impacting the competitiveness of industrial companies in these emirates.
Emission Reduction initiative
Additionally, the initiative complements the ministry’s broader sustainability agenda, including the Industrial Decarbonization Roadmap, launched at COP28, and aligns with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. The Federal Energy Management Regulation in Industrial Facilities, implemented jointly with MoEI, aims to improve operational excellence in managing energy systems, leading to reduced consumption and emissions.
Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EWEC, commented that, “EWEC is proud to support the development of the industrial sector and enhance the UAE’s investment environment. The initiative to adjust the energy consumption tariff structure for industrial and technological companies, developed in partnership with MoIAT and MoEI, reflects our commitment to providing innovative and efficient energy solutions that contribute to reducing operating costs in the industrial sector and enhancing its competitive capabilities.”
Flexible fee structure
The new system offers additional incentives, including flexible fees for installation and network connection services. Customers can choose to incorporate these fees into their monthly consumption payments or pay upfront with a 20 percent discount compared to traditional installation fees. Additionally, customers in this tier are exempt from insurance fees and incur no extra costs or additional fees for meter usage.
This collaboration between MoIAT, MoEI and EWEC strengthens the competitiveness of the industrial sector by enabling substantial savings in operating costs. The third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum included a panel discussion on the Federal Energy Management Regulation in Industrial Facilities, the first of its kind focused on sustainability within the industry.