Abu Dhabi Sets Global Benchmark With Innovative Low-Carbon Water Certification Initiative

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has introduced a regulatory policy for low-carbon water certificates. This initiative is part of its mandate to oversee the energy sector in Abu Dhabi, promoting sustainability aligned with global best practices and standards.

The new policy aligns with the Strategic Initiative for Climate Neutrality 2050, aiming to issue certificates that reduce carbon emissions from water desalination. It complements the clean energy certificates issued in 2021, which verify electricity production from clean sources.

The certification system measures the carbon footprint of emissions from electricity used in water production. It enables tracking of the entire process of producing carbon-free desalinated water, from producer to consumer. The policy also quantifies water produced using reverse osmosis technology powered by clean electricity over a specific period.

Eng Ahmed Mohamed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, stated: "We are proud to launch the low-carbon water certificates policy, which reflects the department's commitment to leading the energy sector's transformation efforts towards clean and renewable sources, reducing carbon emissions and achieving the goals of the Strategic Initiative for Climate Neutrality 2050."

The scheme underscores Abu Dhabi's progress in cutting carbon emissions linked to water desalination. Projections indicate that by 2030, reverse osmosis technology will account for nearly 90% of water production in Abu Dhabi, up from 27% in 2022. This technology is exclusively eligible for low-carbon water certification.

The DoE oversees the issuance and implementation of these certificates, ensuring accurate data on water production and electricity consumption is used. The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) handles requests for purchasing and trading certificates in partnership with Evident I-REC(E).