In line with UAE’s National Strategy of Industry and Advanced Technology, the Etihad Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has begun processing applications for its new initiative aimed at boosting industrial growth in four emirates. 

 

The programme offers reduced energy consumption tariffs for industrial and technological businesses in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain.

 

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology announced the energy tariff reduction initiative in collaboration with Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and EWEC during the third edition of the Make in the Emirates Forum, to support the national drive for sustainable growth of the industrial sector in the UAE.

 

Ease of doing business

The initiative comes as part of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) initiatives and efforts to offer competitive incentives for ease of doing business and reduce tariffs costs to better serve industrial investors, manufacturers, and supply chains members. This will support to the competitiveness of products holding Made in the Emirates mark.

 

According to MoIAT’s data, industrial projects in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain are now eligible to benefit from the initiative now, with EWEC processing 10 applications and targeting the inclusion of at least 50 industrial institutions over the next two years. By enabling industrial companies to reduce operational and production costs, it promotes greater price competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.

 

This initiative, a result of the Industrial Development Council, chaired by Dr Al Jaber. The Council includes the membership of government entities and the private sector, as part of its efforts to create an attractive business environment for local and international investors in the industrial sector.

 

New industrial opportunities

Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, said: “MoIAT focuses on collaborating with partners from the public and private sectors to boost the growth of the industrial sector and enhancing in-country value, which supports import substitution, and raising competitiveness of manufacturing companies in the UAE.”

 

He added that the initiative aligns with the objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology, Operation 300bn. It especially supports the Make it in the Emirates programme that aims to promote entrepreneurship and the establishment of new industrial projects, which will positively impact the competitiveness of industrial companies in these emirates.

 

Reducing carbon footprint

Additionally, the initiative complements the ministry’s broader sustainability agenda, including the Industrial Decarbonisation Roadmap, and aligns with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. The initiative also aligns with The Federal Energy Management Regulation in Industrial Facilities, implemented jointly with the MoEI, aims to improve operational excellence in managing energy systems, leading to reduced consumption and emissions.

 

Fostering sustainable development

Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “The new tariff structure for the industrial and technological sector in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain is part of our ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development and support the national economy, contributing to the UAE’s diversification drive and increasing the country's regional and global competitiveness.”

 

He added: “Through this initiative, we aim to enable customers in the industrial and technological sectors to benefit from competitive energy prices, which contributes to reducing operating costs and increasing productivity. This also reflects our commitment to promoting investment in this sector and supporting innovation and technological development.”

 

He noted that the initiative also supports sustainability efforts by encouraging the optimal use of energy and reducing carbon emissions, in line with the UAE's environmental objectives and the National Energy and Water Demand Management Programme 2050.

 

Reducing operating costs

Engineer Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EWEC, said: “EWEC is proud to support the development of the industrial sector and enhancing the UAE’s investment environment. The initiative to adjust the energy consumption tariff structure for industrial and technological companies, developed in partnership with the MoIAT and the MoEI, reflects our commitment to providing innovative and efficient energy solutions that contribute to reducing operating costs in the industrial sector and enhancing its competitive capabilities.”

 

The new system offers additional incentives, including flexible fees for installation and network connection services. Customers can choose to incorporate these fees into their monthly consumption payments or pay upfront with a 20% discount compared to traditional installation fees. Additionally, customers in this tier are exempt from insurance fees and incur no extra costs or additional fees for meter usage.

 

Integrated approach

This collaboration between MoIAT, MoEI and EWEC strengthens the competitiveness of the industrial sector by enabling substantial savings in operating costs. The third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum included a panel discussion on the Federal Energy Management Regulation in Industrial Facilities, the first of its kind focused on sustainability within the industry. The regulation promotes operational excellence in energy management, supporting best practices that reduce consumption, enhance emission reductions, and lower energy bills for manufacturers.--TradeArabia News Service