Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has marked Zero Emissions Day by outlining plans for a larger, cleaner and more efficient water and electricity system across the UAE, building on progress in renewable energy and low-carbon water production.

According to EWEC’s latest long-term system planning, total carbon emissions from power and water production are forecast to fall by more than 45 per cent, from approximately 42 million tonnes in 2019 to around 23 million tonnes in 2035.

The decline is projected despite annual electricity demand expected to increase by about 70 per cent between 2026 and 2033.

Mohamed Almarzooqi, Chief Assets Officer of EWEC, said: "EWEC’s strategic planning ensures that our water and energy infrastructure expands substantially to power economic growth, even as total carbon emissions significantly decline. We are actively procuring the utility-scale solar photovoltaic, battery storage and reverse osmosis desalination capacity required to deliver this outcome, structurally reducing the reliance of the system on gas-fired generation. Through this transformation, EWEC is enabling the UAE and Abu Dhabi to build a highly diversified, resilient, and low-carbon system that seamlessly meets rising demand while strengthening water and energy security."

EWEC said the expansion of renewable energy and the shift towards reverse osmosis (RO) desalination will be key drivers of the emissions reduction.

Abu Dhabi’s solar capacity is targeted to reach 14 gigawatts (GW) by 2030 and more than 35GW by 2035, supported by up to 15GW of battery storage.

As renewable capacity expands, gas-fired generation is expected to play a smaller role in the overall system, while continuing to provide flexibility to support intermittent renewable output.

Water production is also undergoing a major transformation.

EWEC forecasts that its RO desalination portfolio will account for more than 95 per cent of total water production by 2035, significantly improving the energy efficiency of water production and contributing to lower emissions.

The company said its approach combines long-term planning, strategic procurement and efficient system operations to meet rising demand while reducing the carbon intensity of water and electricity production.

Zero Emissions Day, observed annually on 21 September, highlights the need for continued action to reduce emissions and increase the use of renewable energy.

EWEC said its long-term programme supports the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy’s Clean Energy Strategic Target 2035 for Electricity Production in Abu Dhabi and contributes to the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategy. -TradeArabia News Service