Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has announced the fruitful completion of Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) Retrofit Project, Phase 1 & 2 that guarantees the savings of accommodations which houses almost 40,000 occupants.

By guaranteeing overall energy savings by 31 per cent in comparison to the initially agreed baseline consumption, the venture exceeded target goals by achieving 32.6 per cent energy savings upon completion of one year of Measurement and Verification period. The environment has benefited enormously since, with 17,000 tonnes of reductions in annual CO2 emissions, which is the equal to removing 3,600 cars from roads for a year.

With 100 per cent project financing by Etihad ESCO, the operation period duration spans six years after its building period. The 18-month construction saw the replacement of 5,290 window ACs with new high energy efficient split air conditioners and the retrofit of 6,308 current window ACs. Furthermore, an extra replacement of 85,307 lights, installation of 24,321 water aerators and 9,345 new water efficient shower heads. A successful total of 157 JAFZA staff accommodation buildings including its Old West, New West, South and East Accommodation have been retrofitted under the project.
With the project proving to be sustainably viable, Etihad ESCO and JAFZA have entered into an contract for the next Phase 3 Retrofit Project at JAFZA which aims to improve energy efficiency, concentrating specifically on office buildings. Under Phase 3, the aim is to implement Major Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) by aiming substantial amounts of energy consumed by Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). This will be attained by replacing 15 sets of old chillers with top of the line highly efficient chillers, HVAC controls, the replacement of 26,129 conventional lights with LED lights and the installation of 1270 energy efficient water saving devices. Subsequently, a Central Command Centre will then monitor and control installed ECMs aided through smart metering, to ensure retrofit systems deliver the intended savings throughout their lifetime.

Ali Al Jassim, CEO, Etihad ESCO, said: There is no doubt that this is a important milestone for Etihad ESCO. In 2015, Phase 1 and 2 Project, billed at AED 84 million, had most definitely been the Middle Easts most abundant energy retrofit scheme to date. Besides reducing JAFZAs carbon footprint, the successful implementation of the project has confirmed sustainability and operational efficiency. We are glad to have delivered on the promised energy savings through this project and are presently working with JAFZA on Phase 3, to further raise their energy efficiency quotient, which is a vital constituent of energy reduction in Dubai.

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said: It has been a great desire working closely with Etihad ESCO on this project, as we are both companies who value our community and seek to uphold positive impact. As a important engine of economic growth and diversification in Dubai, JAFZA has always worked towards serving the government to meet its sustainability targets outlined in the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy. Working closely with Etihad ESCO on this retrofitting project is one of many similar initiatives we have started over the years to promote a cleaner and better Dubai. We will continue to develop innovative solutions and set the example in the UAE private sector on how businesses can pursue success in a sustainable and responsible manner.

By bringing Dubai closer to accomplishing its sustainability goals and spreading experience in the MENA region, Etihad ESCO aims to create a viable performance contracting market for energy service companies.