EAD Launches Innovative System To Monitor Industrial Emissions In Abu Dhabi

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has initiated a pioneering project to electronically link the Stacks Automated Monitoring System (AMS) in Abu Dhabi's industrial, energy, and oil and gas sectors directly to its emissions monitoring system. This new e-linking system aims to connect up to 500 stacks, facilitating real-time data collection.

Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, stated, "As part of our continuous efforts to ensure we are enhancing air quality in the emirate of Abu Dhabi for better public health, we are e-linking all air emissions monitoring systems in the Industrial, Energy and Oil and Gas Sectors directly to us at EAD, allowing accurate data to be used in making appropriate decisions."

Currently, 53 stacks from these sectors have been successfully linked to the EAD system. The collected information will help validate the effectiveness of procedures implemented to improve operational practices across different sectors. This initiative also includes an early alert system using artificial intelligence to predict air quality and take proactive measures when facilities exceed permissible emission limits.

Ahmed Mohamed Al Rumaithi, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), remarked on the significance of this project: "We are proud to see the linking project launched by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. This is a significant milestone in our journey towards environmental sustainability." He emphasised that real-time data collection will provide a better understanding of emissions levels and enable targeted actions to reduce them.

Al Rumaithi highlighted DoE's role in this project by stating: "We have continued to work closely with the agency to ensure that the project is a success. The e-linking project is a vital step in supporting Abu Dhabi Government’s strategies for environmental sustainability. It will help us meet our CO2 emissions reduction targets and improve air quality in the emirate."

Industry Participation

Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of Emirates Steel Arkan, noted their commitment: "Emirates Steel Arkan stands as a leading force in decarbonising the steel and building materials industry at scale and further supports the nation’s strategic initiative to realise net zero by 2050." Their participation in this project underscores their efforts to monitor and reduce carbon emissions.

Abdullah Al Khemeiri, Executive Managing Director at Arabian Power Company, shared insights on their involvement: "As we focus on emissions and combating climate change, the focus towards reducing emissions and improving sustainability practices is more important than ever." He mentioned that since 2016, their Umm Al Nar Independent Water and Power Project has deployed CEMS technology and shared emissions data with EAD.

Enhanced Reporting Capabilities

The new system allows stakeholders and EAD to prepare customised reports quickly or periodically such as monthly, quarterly, or annual reports for permit compliance. This reduces both cost and time needed for report preparation while providing insights into overall air quality in Abu Dhabi.

For facilities not requiring AMS devices installation, operators can submit data through a specialised electronic portal. This integrates their emissions information into a central database covering all stacks in Abu Dhabi. The database also supports atmospheric modelling and national inventory reporting initiatives.

Global Best Practices Integration

The central database features an alert system that emails facilities and EAD air quality specialists when emission limits are exceeded. This promotes direct collaboration between EAD and facilities to mitigate air emissions at their source.

EAD developed this project based on international best practices for emissions monitoring. By reviewing global standards, they ensured that this system aligns with other similar initiatives aimed at improving emissions data collection processes.

Salman Dawood Abdulla, Executive Vice President of ESG and Sustainability at Emirates Global Aluminium, commented on the project's impact: "The innovative e-linking system will create a symbiotic relationship with EAD and also will empower stakeholders towards our shared objective of preserving and improving our environment." He added that it streamlines emission data collection and reporting while supporting future policy formation.

This initiative represents a significant step towards achieving environmental goals set for Abu Dhabi. By integrating advanced technologies with collaborative efforts from various sectors, it aims to enhance air quality monitoring and promote sustainable practices across the emirate.

With inputs from WAM