DEWA Issues 51 D33 Industry Friendly Power Certificates To Enhance Dubai's Sustainability Efforts

Since January 2024, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has awarded 51 'D33 Industry Friendly Power Certificates' to 24 companies in Dubai. This initiative enables certified industrial customers, agri-tech firms, and data centres to install photovoltaic (PV) solar systems for internal use, potentially meeting up to 100% of their energy needs.

"We work in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the top three economic cities in the world and to support the emirate’s direction towards a green economy based on innovation and sustainability. We continue to support various vital sectors in Dubai, including the industrial sector, through high-quality initiatives that promote environmentally responsible manufacturing, enhance sustainability and support long-term economic growth. The D33 Industry Friendly Power initiative contributes to enhancing Dubai’s attractiveness for industrial investment and improving energy efficiency, in addition to supporting the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the emirate’s energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

The D33 Industry Friendly Power Policy is designed to empower manufacturers, data centres, and agri-tech entities by allowing them to deploy solar PV generation capacity up to their total required load. This policy aims to consolidate Dubai's appeal as a hub for industrial investments by enabling these sectors to generate energy necessary for their operations.

To benefit from this policy, companies must secure a D33 eligibility certificate. This certificate is issued collaboratively by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the Department of Finance, and DEWA. DEWA ensures comprehensive technical oversight through design reviews, grid connections, and real-time monitoring using smart control systems.

DEWA procures feed-in power generated by D33-certified companies at a flat rate of 10.5 fils/kWh under specific conditions. The policy also allows eligible sectors to install PV systems up to their facility's peak load. Additional benefits include priority access to I-REC purchases from DEWA and a 25% discount on new connection charges.

An interest-free credit facility is available under this policy. It allows payments over two years from either the issuance of the connection fee statement or energisation date. This financial flexibility supports companies in managing costs associated with new connections.

The initiative aligns with Dubai's strategic goals for clean energy. It supports both the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. These strategies aim for all energy production capacity in the emirate to come from clean sources by mid-century.

With inputs from WAM