EtihadWE has formed a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) for a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy in the Northern Emirates.
Dubbed the Distributed Solar System (DSS) project, the initiative will see EtihadWE customers generate solar power through rooftop PV systems installed on their properties. This power will then be fed back into the grid.
The project was launched in July 2023 with a feasibility study and assessment of the financial and technical impacts of connecting DSS to the grid.
According to EtihadWE, it developed regulations and technical guidelines for the systems in cooperation with MoEI.
Further, as the certified installer, EtihadWE will provide certified contractors to install the solar panels, ensuring they comply with the latest safety standards.
Through the new initiative, EtihadWE customers, including residential, industrial and agricultural, will be offered rooftop PV systems, allowing them to generate solar power.
The solar energy generated will be absorbed back into the grid, contributing to the overall renewable energy supply in the Northern Emirates, it was shared.
Although consumers will not directly utilise the energy produced by their solar panels, EtihadWE said they will benefit from reduced energy bills in return for contributing to the renewable energy grid.
The initiative is part of a long-term strategy to enhance accessibility to renewable energy in the Northern Emirates.
“The DSS project is a major contribution to the UAE’s shift to clean energy sources. It reflects our steadfast commitment to fast-tracking renewable energy deployment and the country’s sustainable development. We are pleased to partner with EtihadWE on this project that will pave the way for wider community engagement in building a more sustainable, energy-secure future,” His Excellency Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, said.
Roll-out will begin with industrial customers in the initial phase.
EtihadWE shared that it plans to hold a series of workshops to help customers understand the initiative.