Etihad Water And Electricity Enhances Agricultural Sustainability Efforts In The UAE

Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) is actively contributing to the UAE's food and water security by offering sustainable solutions for agriculture. These efforts aim to enhance water use efficiency, reduce groundwater pressure, and ensure sustainable farming practices. This initiative aligns with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 and other national strategies, including the National Food Security Strategy 2051.

Desalinated water is becoming a preferred irrigation method due to its sustainability and cost-effectiveness. EtihadWE has introduced a new tariff system to encourage this shift. The pricing tiers are structured as follows: up to 600,000 gallons per month at 1.5 fils per gallon, between 600,001 and 1.5 million gallons at 2 fils per gallon, and above this level at 2.5 fils per gallon.

Since January 2022, over 1,300 farmers have benefited from these reduced tariffs, indicating strong support from the agricultural sector in the Northern Emirates. This initiative not only supports farmers financially but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices by reducing reliance on groundwater.

Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, stated, "Aligned with the UAE’s vision for sustainability, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enhance water consumption efficiency and support the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector. By investing in advanced technologies, we ensure a reliable water supply and promote responsible resource management."

The collaboration between EtihadWE and strategic partners like the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure aids farmers in achieving financial savings while conserving natural resources. This partnership is crucial for securing agriculture's future and ensuring resource availability for upcoming generations.

Ahmed Al Kaabi from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure expressed commitment to supporting UAE's food and water security goals through sustainable solutions that improve water consumption efficiency in agriculture. He highlighted that reduced tariffs help farmers benefit financially while aligning with national strategies like the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036.

Dr. Mohamed Salman Al Hammadi from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment emphasized conserving groundwater resources for ecological balance and long-term agricultural sustainability. He noted that making desalinated water more accessible encourages its use over groundwater for irrigation.

"EtihadWE’s initiative is a significant step in supporting farmers and the agricultural community," Dr. Al Hammadi said. "Raising awareness about the benefits of desalinated water and promoting efficient water consumption will play a key role in fostering sustainable local agricultural production."

The introduction of reduced tariffs reflects a commitment to enabling farmers to benefit from innovative solutions that generate financial savings while supporting national strategies. Continued collaboration with strategic partners ensures advanced solutions for sustaining both water and agriculture sectors.

With inputs from WAM