Abu Dhabi announces new procurement policy to curb energy use

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Energy has introduced a new procurement policy requiring government entities to prioritise energy- and water-efficient appliances, as part of the emirate’s broader efforts to curb consumption and cut emissions.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy said the Efficient Appliances Procurement Policy for Government Entities is a key enabler of the updated Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy 2030.

The strategy targets a 22 per cent reduction in electricity consumption, equivalent to 19 terawatt-hours, and a 32 percent cut in water use, or 465 million cubic metres, by 2030, compared with a 2013 business-as-usual baseline.

Powering efficiency in government procurement

The policy is designed to accelerate efficiency gains by embedding energy and water performance as a core decision-making criterion in government procurement. By doing so, authorities aim to reduce lifecycle costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions and signal a wider market shift towards high-efficiency appliances.

Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Under-Secretary of the Department of Energy, said: “The Efficient Appliances Procurement Policy for Government Entities reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to energy and water efficiency. By ensuring that applicable appliances procured by government entities meet high efficiency standards, we are embedding sustainability into the fabric of government operations and driving long-term environmental and economic value for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

According to the Department of Energy, the policy could deliver estimated annual savings of around 8.2 gigawatt-hours of electricity and 120,000 cubic metres of water by 2030, depending on appliance stock turnover and adoption rates across public sector buildings.

Ahmed Al Falasi, Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector at the department, said: “This enabler demonstrates how policy and procurement can work hand in hand to achieve measurable environmental impact. It empowers suppliers and manufacturers to innovate and provide the most efficient technologies, positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in sustainable procurement.”

The policy supports the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and aligns with the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a regional leader in sustainable procurement and efficient resource use.