Abu Dhabi DoE inks deals with NYU Abu Dhabi to enhance energy and water sustainability
The collaboration will see the firms focus on Demand Side Management, energy and water efficiency, behavioural change and more
In an effort to boost commercial, economic and technical collaboration in energy and water efficiency, sustainability and conservation, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). The MoU is said to align with both organisations’ endeavours to achieve Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic development goals.
The MoU outlines enhanced cooperation and the exchange of information and expertise between the DoE and NYUAD in capability development. It calls for scientific, technical, technological, legislative, and administrative cooperation in energy and water efficiency, sustainability, and conservation.
The MoU was signed by Eng. Ahmed Al Falasi, Acting Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector and NYUAD Director of Sustainability and Stewardship Antonios Vouloudis, in the presence of dignitaries from both parties. The MoU will have a duration of three years and is governed by the laws of the UAE.
“This agreement is in line with our goal of promoting energy and water efficiencies by encouraging new technologies and methodologies while nurturing consumer education and behavioural change.” He added: We are delighted to formalise our partnership with NYUAD and exchange knowledge and experiences to further develop advanced policies for the clean energy and water value chain. This is the first step in our joint efforts to enhance energy and water efficiency and aid our prevailing DSM and Energy Rationalisation Strategy 2030 and reduce consumption. It will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for sustainability,” said Eng. Ahmed Al Falasi, Acting Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector.
In early November 2022, Abu Dhabi environment and energy agencies unveiled a 60% clean electricity plan for emirate by 2035.
The collaboration will also see the firms jointly identify opportunities in Demand Side Management (DSM), energy and water efficiency, behavioural change, end-use consumption measurement, renewable energy, carbon footprint assessment, retrofits, energy and water resource issues, and clean energy certification.
Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor of NYUAD, added: “The MoU between NYU Abu Dhabi and the Department of Energy underscores the strength of our relationship and our shared commitment to making meaningful and lasting contributions to the energy sector as we work together to develop innovative solutions and research to meet the future energy needs of the UAE and the world. It will enable us to collaborate closely on research and projects that will help advance the energy transition in the region, while also providing our students with valuable educational opportunities that will prepare them for a successful career in the evolving energy sector. We are grateful for the support of the Department of Energy and look forward to a productive and successful partnership.”
NYUAD Director of Sustainability and Stewardship Antonios Vouloudis remarked, “This MoU is a fantastic opportunity for NYUAD to collaborate closely with the Department of Energy on various energy and environmental-related initiatives including demand-side management, energy and water efficiency, behavioral change, among others. This partnership is key towards our efforts to achieve the vision of transforming the NYUAD campus into one of the most sustainable in the region.”
The DoE and NYUAD also said they will share and mutually verify studies, data, and statistics on energy and water efficiencies and DSM, for their energy balance models and other analyses.
In early December 2022, MOCCAE said it was looking at waste management to accelerate the UAE’s transition to Net Zero.
In addition, they will promote training and capacity building, conduct pilot studies, and share data and models in the areas of behavioural change at the individual and societal levels to better implement program and policy development. They will peer-review documents in energy and water strategy, nudging, technology roadmaps and long-term scenarios. They will also design and implement training programs and exchange information about emerging opportunities, the statement concluded.
In late January 2023, Abu Dhabi’s DMT inked a MoU to promote the use of low-carbon hydrogen in public transportation.
