DUBAI, 2 August 2007 — The Ministry of Energy has yesterday unveiled details of its 2008-2010 strategic plan which incorporates 16 key initiatives including a proposal for a nationwide regulatory framework for the water and electricity sector.
The ministry’s plans include a study to update strategic oil reserves while another study will focus on developing water and electricity services by encouraging private investment. The plan has been drafted following the recommendations of the UAE government strategy which was announced earlier this year. The strategy seeks to ensure a balanced sustainable development and high standard of living for the citizens and residents.
Mohammed ibn Dha’en Al-Hamili, minister for Energy, said the ministry’s plan includes a number of key principles which primarily focus on protecting the country’s financial and natural resources as well as safeguarding consumers’ rights and investors’ interests.
The ministry also plans to develop a comprehensive database on oil, mineral, water and power resources in order to assess the country’s capabilities and prepare forecasts. The ministry will also prepare geological and geo-physical maps and reports, covering an area of 68,500 sq km.
“Renewable energy research initiatives will be among the ministry’s prime objectives. The ministry is vigorously pursuing efforts to gather relevant information and statistics to support research programs. We are keen on promoting alternative energy resources as an essential prerequisite for sustainable development,” Al-Hamili said.
Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi government has published a comprehensive policy agenda outlining its key goals and initiatives across all portfolios of government in the emirate. The 83-page agenda consists of 18 independent policy statements providing detailed analysis of the government’s plans. The agenda is the result of 12 months of intensive work involving all government departments, and is characterized by a deliberate focus on facilitating coordination and collaboration between the entities of government in Abu Dhabi.
