Sustainable and affordable energy is indispensable for economic growth and is one of the major strategic objectives for Dubai. The Emirates Energy Award has become a critical part of this strategy, to highlight best practices and pioneering work in energy efficiency, alternative energy, sustainability and protecting the environment.

Organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Emirates Energy Award (EEA), launched in 2007, is one of the most significant initiatives under the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) to recognise the best implemented practices in energy conservation and management that showcase innovative, cost effective and replicable energy efficiency measures.

“The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy is committed to encourage innovative solutions to achieve the nation’s goal of sustainable development. The Emirates Energy Award is an effective tool in accomplishing this objective and will facilitate building the future of Dubai and the UAE on safe foundations based on sustainable energy,” says HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the DSCE and President of the EEA.

With Dubai emerging as a global hub for trade, finance and tourism, the Emirate is looking for tomorrow’s solutions to build its future based on sustainable development. The aim is to enhance its role as a leading centre of renewable energy resources and development and create energy conservation principles keeping in mind not just the current demands but also the requirements and well-being of the future generation. Bringing together global best practices in the energy sector, the Award is a key driver in developing regional expertise in sustainable development, supporting Dubai’s vision to become major knowledge economy.

The Emirates Energy Award plays an important role in achieving these objectives which are aligned to the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030. Deployed in 2011, the Strategy has set the direction of Dubai towards the goal of securing sustainable energy supplies and enhancing demand efficiency of water, power and fuel. A major milestone achieved in this journey is the ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development’ initiative announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2012, making the UAE the first country in the region to adopt a long-term national initiative to build a green economy.

“By providing a global platform for achievements in energy management and conservation, the Emirates Energy Award has been supporting the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative and contributing to generation of new ideas and technology solutions that eventually benefits the entire world,” says Al Tayer.

Energy conservation is a major challenge for the UAE and the GCC countries considering the growing demand for electricity for cooling purposes and water treatment. Air-conditioning represents as much as 60% of the electricity load during peak time consumption, according to Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. Sustainable generation of water is a concern for all the countries in the region. While five per cent of the world’s population resides in the Middle East and North Africa region, it has less than one per cent of the world’s available water supply.

Amid fast-paced development activity, the UAE’s energy demand has been steadily increasing over the past years, recording one of the highest energy growth rates in the world. In view of the massive energy requirements, the UAE Ministry of Economy has forecast an increase for alternative energy investments in the UAE in the coming decade. Last year, Dubai launched a AED 12 billion solar power project to meet its growing energy requirements.

Renewable energy represents a cornerstone of the UAE’s strategy to build new industries and reduce dependence on fossil fuel revenues. Dubai has set its sights on further strengthening its position as a hub for sustainable business and a fertile ground for emerging green technologies.

The Emirates Energy Award has a major role in helping Dubai achieve its sustainable energy goals. The Award recognises global excellence in all areas of the energy industry, encouraging individuals as well as institutions for their contributions in innovation, technological advancements and best practices. It also provides a platform for constant sustainable development, not only in the UAE but in the Middle East and North Africa. The acknowledged practices recognised under the Emirates Energy Award will ultimately inspire the entire region to develop energy awareness on a broad level and across the various segments of the society.

The total value of the award is one million dollars, which will be distributed to the winners in the following categories: Gold and Silver awards for Energy Conservation in the private and public sectors; Gold and Silver awards for large-scale energy projects; Gold and Silver awards for small-energy projects and Gold and Silver awards for education and research, in addition to a special award for excellence as well as an award for young innovators in energy. Due to considerable interest in participating in the EEA, this year’s submission deadline has been extended to 30 June 2013.

For more details on the application process and guidelines, log on to: www.emiratesenergyaward.com