RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Strategy 2040
Ras Al Khaimah Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Strategy 2040 is a part of Ras Al Khaimah’s efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change in the UAE and the world. The strategy was set up in collaboration with government entities at the local and federal level, and aims to encourage participation of the private sector in Ras Al Khaimah.
The strategy
Ras Al Khaimah Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040 (EE&R Strategy) defines the long-term strategy of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy. It stems from the vision of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, to have sustainability as a source of competitiveness for the emirate, by reducing the cost of energy and water for consumers. The EE&R Strategy was launched in 2018 and is being driven by Reem, the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Office of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality.
The EE&R Strategy contributes to the goals of various federal agendas and plans such as the UAE National Agenda Vision 2021, the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, and the National Climate Change Plan 2017 - 2050 at the federal level; and the Ras Al Khaimah Vision 2030 at the local level. From an international perspective, the EE&R Strategy represents an important aspect of Ras Al Khaimah’s contribution to the UAE’s commitments towards mitigation of climate change, following the Paris Agreement, and as part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and supports 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN.
Programmes
The strategy consists of nine programmes. They are:
- Green Building Regulations
- Building Retrofits
- Energy Management
- Efficient Appliances
- Efficient Street Lighting
- Water Reuse and Efficient Irrigation
- Solar Programmes
- Energy from Waste
- Efficient Vehicles
Targets
The strategy will achieve at least 30% savings in electricity consumption, 20% savings in water consumption, and 20% contribution from renewable energy in the supply mix, when compared to a business as usual scenario.
These targets are aligned with RAK Vision 2030, which aims at 10% electricity savings and 5% of electricity demand to be met by solar power by 2030.
Image source: Annual Report of RAK Energy Efficiency & Renewables Strategy
Benefits
The strategy is expected to bring more than AED 9 billion of net benefits to the economy of Ras Al Khaimah on a present value basis. Other significant benefits of the strategy include:
- Social benefits – the strategy will support the positioning of Ras Al Khaimah as an attractive place to live and work
- Economic and market benefits – the strategy will provide additional resilience to the economy, attract more business and industries, create local markets and specialised jobs for energy efficiency and renewables, contributing to GDP growth
- Environmental, health and safety benefits - the strategy will promote healthier indoor and outdoor environments in Ras Al Khaimah. Environmental benefits will come from lower CO2 emissions, better waste management practices, treatment and reuse of wastewater, use of electric and fuel-efficient vehicles, and use of local plant species.
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