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UAE committed to sustainability: Minister

Dubai - Observed every year on October 22, the World Energy Day was declared in 2012 during the World Energy Forum in Dubai

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The UAE has succeeded in reducing the cost of producing electricity from solar resources to record lows as it continues to deliver on its commitment to support all initiatives to ensure sustainable development and energy supplies for all and achieve a green economy, the UAE Minister of Energy said on Friday on the observance of World Energy Day.
Observed every year on October 22, the World Energy Day was declared in 2012 during the World Energy Forum in Dubai and was first endorsed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, along with representatives of 54 countries, the United Nations, the League of Arab States and the African Union Commission, through the "Dubai Declaration - Energy for All".

What is World Energy Day?It is initiative endorsed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, along with representatives of 54 countries, in addition to the United Nations, Arab League and African Union Commission, who all agreed to make it a yearly event through "Dubai Declaration - Energy for All" on October 22, 2012. The World Energy Day includes a series of activities to raise awareness on the importance of conservation and rational use of energy and to promote the sustainability of energy. This includes increasing the efficiency of transportation networks, industrial processes, buildings, and the electricity grid. It also aims to increase energy efficiency and sustainability. The aim of organising this celebration is to support policies that will increase energy efficiency by expanding transportation networks that use efficient energy methods, as well as efficient processes in the industry, construction and electricity networks, plus increasing energy efficiency and sustainability procedures of urban planning regionally.

"The World Energy Day is an opportunity to increase awareness of the importance of rationalising energy, reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment," said Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy.
"It is also a reminder for institutions and individuals to combine efforts to curb practices damaging the environment, preserve natural resources and ensure sustainability for the coming generations," he added.
Al Mazrouei noted that the UAE cut gasoline and diesel subsidies in 2015 as part of efforts to achieve sustainability and preserve natural resources.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Managing Director and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), said: "World Energy Day aims to increase the efficiency of energy production, while encouraging the sustainable use of energy."
"On this important occasion, I would like to take the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of energy preservation and conservation, to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions, as well as protect our natural resources. The Dewa supports sustainable development in Dubai by launching projects and initiatives to support infrastructure in the emirate. The strategy aims to provide seven per cent of Dubai's energy from clean sources by 2020; 25 per cent by 2030; and 75 per cent by 2050.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to urge all citizens and residents in Dubai to become partners in the Shams Dubai initiative, by installing photovoltaic (PV) panels on their rooftops to generate electricity from solar power. The electricity is used onsite and the surplus is exported to Dewa's network. Shams Dubai increases the adoption rate of clean and renewable energy by the community and adheres to our economic, social, and environmental sustainability objectives, Al Tayer added.
Meanwhile, the UAE will host the 24th World Energy Congress 2019 in Abu Dhabi as part of efforts to transform into the world's capital for energy.
How can we help?
> Spread the word. Involve and engage, getting everybody to use #worldenergyday.
> Create an internal event.
> Organise the screening of an energy-saving themed documentary.
> Create energy challenge conservation contests within departments.
> Conduct a workshop to create awareness on sustainability within the office/home environment and show its effectiveness.
> Promote the use of setting the A/C to 24 degrees or higher to save energy and costs.
As an individual:
> Switch off or unplug any chargers or appliances you don't need. If they have a standby light, a display or are hot to the touch they'll be using energy.
> Check the energy label to make sure you're buying an efficient product.
> Switch to LED. You can now get LED spotlights that are bright enough to replace halogens, as well as regular energy saving bulbs.
> Use water saving aerators. If you're not replacing taps or shower units, you can still save water by fitting aerators to taps and showers.
Source: Dewa
reporters@khaleejtimes.com