DUBAI, 8 April 2008 — Energy and water consumption in the UAE exceeded all forecasts, surging to the tune of 19 percent, a 15 percent increase on the 7 percent previously set by the Federal Water and Electricity Department (FWED).
A real estate market growth of 20 percent nationwide has triggered a concomitant rise in energy consumption, according to the FWED, which singles out the real estate boom fever now gripping the country as the main cause for the increased power consumption. “Energy consumption will continue to rise as a result of economic necessities. Accordingly, we have to seek alternative energy resources in order to achieve two important goals: firstly reducing the considerable costs associated with the construction of energy installations and facilities, and secondly keeping the environment clean and forestalling more of the harmful effects of global warming,” said Dr. Abdullah Al-Amiri, chairman of the Emirates Energy Award, organized by the Dubai Quality Group.
A recent report by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry indicated that the electricity sector in Dubai is in need of around $1 billion worth of investments annually over the next six to eight years to meet the growing demand, with the emirate of Dubai alone required to increase its power generation capacity to 9.5 gigawatts by 2010.
