"Energy and infrastructure" It implements an innovative project to implement microgrid systems in federal government buildings
ABU DHABI, April 12, 2017 (WAM) – The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure announced the launch of an innovative strategic project to implement microgrid systems, in a qualitative step that consolidates the country’s approach to building a smart, flexible energy system capable of responding to various variables, in a way that enhances energy security, sustainability, and efficiency, and supports the goals of the “We Are the Emirates 2031” vision in developing an advanced infrastructure ready for the future.
The project is the first of its kind in the country. It was developed and implemented at the Ministry’s headquarters in the Emirate of Sharjah during the year 2025 as part of a proactive vision aimed at enhancing national readiness to confront power outage scenarios in emergency and crisis situations, by adopting an integrated operational model that combines clean energy generation, storage, and management using advanced digital solutions.
His Excellency Eng. Sherif Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, said that the project reflects a qualitative shift in energy management at the building level, from a traditional model that relies on the central network to a smart, decentralized model that has independent operating capacity, and enhances the reliability of electrical supplies and the continuity of vital services, in addition to raising the efficiency of resource consumption and reducing costs and emissions.
He added that the project achieved, in its pilot phase, tangible operational, environmental and economic results, which included reducing energy consumption by approximately 362,000 kilowatt-hours annually, achieving financial savings of approximately 110,000 dirhams annually, in addition to reducing carbon emissions by 76 tons annually, and raising the contribution of solar energy to 30% of the total electrical loads. It also enabled achieving 100% complete operational flexibility in cases of sudden outages, ensuring the continuity of services without being affected.
He added that the “Microgrid” project represents a qualitative shift in how energy systems are planned and operated in buildings, and reflects the UAE’s trend towards building a more intelligent, flexible and sustainable energy system. It not only enhances operational efficiency, but also establishes an integrated national model that ensures the continuity of vital services in different circumstances, and enhances the readiness of the infrastructure to face future challenges.
He explained that the results achieved confirm that investing in smart energy solutions is no longer an option, but rather a strategic necessity to enhance energy security, reduce costs and emissions, and raise the efficiency of resource use, noting that the Ministry is working, in cooperation with its partners in the government and private sectors, to expand the scope of application of this model at the state level.
He pointed out that the next phase will focus on generalizing the experience and expanding the scope of application at the state level, in parallel with developing a national technical and legislative guide that sets the regulatory frameworks and technical standards necessary for implementing mini-grid systems, ensuring unified efforts and enhancing integration between federal and local authorities and the private sector.
He said that the project comes within the framework of a comprehensive national vision that aims to reshape the energy system in the country, by adopting innovative solutions based on renewable energy and advanced digital technologies, in a way that enhances the efficiency of infrastructure, reduces the carbon footprint, and consolidates the UAE’s position as a global model in developing sustainable and flexible future energy systems.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
