TLDR:
UAE partners with Siemens for efficiency project
27% reduction in energy, water consumption
Focus on public-private partnerships for sustainability
ABU DHABI (The Thursday Times) — In a landmark move towards greater sustainability, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, witnessed the signing of a significant agreement between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Siemens. The accord marks the initiation of an ambitious project aimed at reducing energy and water consumption in federal government buildings, a vital step in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to balance economic development with environmental preservation. Also present at the ceremony was His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
Held during the UAE Government’s Annual Meetings 2024, the agreement embodies a new phase of collaboration between the public and private sectors. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Helmut von Struve, CEO of Siemens in the Middle East and the UAE, formalised the partnership, with Siemens committing to finance, install, test, and operate advanced systems that will achieve a 27% reduction in energy and water consumption across targeted federal buildings. This figure, compared to the average consumption of the past three years, represents a major stride toward energy efficiency.
Al Mazrouei emphasised that the project aligns with directives from UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aiming to strike a crucial balance between economic growth and sustainability. He pointed out that the UAE’s forward-thinking approach leverages partnerships with the private sector to amplify achievements in energy management and climate action. The initiative supports the nation’s broader environmental goals, particularly as it continues to carve out a leadership role on the global stage of sustainable development.
Siemens’ role in decarbonisation
Helmut von Struve outlined Siemens’ commitment to deploying cutting-edge technologies to ensure the success of the project. He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving decarbonisation and enhancing energy efficiency in the building sector. By tapping into Siemens’ technological prowess, the project aims to set a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure management, positioning the UAE as a model for environmental innovation.
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s strategy is clear: collaborate with key private sector players to modernise federal buildings, many of which have high energy and water consumption rates. This retrofit project will play a critical role in the UAE’s long-term vision of resource preservation and climate action. Through this collaboration, the country aims to showcase how government and business can unite to drive transformative environmental progress.
Advancing sustainability through innovation
The broader implications of this initiative are far-reaching. As global concerns over climate change intensify, the UAE’s proactive measures serve as a testament to its commitment to sustainability. The collaboration between MoEI and Siemens highlights the potential of integrating technology and infrastructure development to meet ambitious environmental goals. It also underscores the UAE’s ongoing investment in climate-friendly innovations, a key element of its national agenda.
By upgrading federal buildings, the UAE sets a precedent for the region, illustrating how large-scale infrastructure projects can be adapted to meet modern environmental standards. The agreement represents a significant investment in the nation’s future, reducing carbon emissions while enhancing the operational efficiency of government facilities. The partnership is a powerful example of how visionary leadership and corporate expertise can converge to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
