Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad Esco), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), has announced the successful completion of the first two phases of Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) Retrofit Project that guarantees energy savings in accommodations which house almost 40,000 occupants. 

 

By guaranteeing overall energy savings by 31 per cent in comparison to the initially agreed baseline consumption, the venture exceeded target goals by achieving 32.6 per cent energy savings upon completion of one year of Measurement and Verification period, said a statement from Etihad Esco. 

 

The environment has benefited tremendously since, with 17,000 tonnes of reductions in annual carbon dioxide emissions, which is the equivalent to removing 3,600 cars from roads for a year. 

 

With 100 per cent project financing by Etihad Esco, the operation period duration spans six years after its construction period. The 18-month construction saw the replacement of 5,290 window ACs with new high energy efficient split air conditioners and the retrofit of 6,308 existing window ACs. 

 

Furthermore, an additional replacement of 85,307 lights, installation of 24,321 water aerators and 9,345 new water efficient shower heads. 

 

A successful total of 157 Jafza staff accommodation buildings including its Old West, New West, South and East Accommodation have been retrofitted under the project.

 

With the project proving to be sustainably viable, Etihad Esco and Jafza have entered into an agreement for the next Phase Three Retrofit Project at Jafza which aims to enhance energy efficiency, focusing specifically on office buildings. 

 

Under this key phase, the aim is to implement Major Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) by targeting substantial amounts of energy consumed by Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). 

 

This will be achieved by replacing 15 sets of old chillers with top of the line highly efficient chillers, HVAC controls, the replacement of 26,129 conventional lights with LED lights and the installation of 1270 energy efficient water saving devices, he stated. 

 

"Subsequently, a Central Command Centre will then monitor and control installed ECMs assisted through smart metering, to ensure retrofit systems deliver the intended savings throughout their lifetime," he added.

 

CEO Ali Al Jassim said: "There is no doubt that this is a significant milestone for Etihad Esco. In 2015, Phase One and Two, billed at Dh84 million, had most definitely been the Middle East’s most abundant energy retrofit scheme to date. Besides reducing Jafza’s carbon footprint, the successful implementation of the project has ensured sustainability and operational efficiency."

 

"We are glad to have delivered on the promised energy savings through this project and are currently working with Jafza on Phase Three, to further raise their energy efficiency quotient, which is a crucial constituent of energy reduction in Dubai," he added.

 

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said: "It has been a great pleasure working closely with Etihad Esco on this project, as we are both companies who value our community and seek to uphold positive impact."

 

"As a key engine of economic growth and diversification in Dubai, Jafza has always worked towards serving the government to meet its sustainability targets outlined in the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy," he noted. 

 

"Working closely with Etihad Esco on this retrofitting project is one of many similar initiatives we have started over the years to promote a cleaner and better Dubai. We will continue to develop innovative solutions and set the example in the UAE private sector on how businesses can pursue success in a sustainable and responsible manner," he added.-TradeArabia News Service