Renewable Energy in the UAE

This assignment examines renewable energy trends in the United Arab Emirates. It requires an overview of strategies and policies promoting renewable energy use, a discussion of sustainability challenges, and an exploration of future prospects for this sector. The analysis should consider relevant factors such as economic development, water resources, and technological advancements.

Running head: PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
Principles of Sustainability
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
Executive Summary:
The report is a discussion on the comparison and contrast of how water sustainability and
energy sustainability is addressed in Australia in comparison to Japan. The contrast and
comparison is done in various steps. The first step deals with a description of the government
regulation in Australia regarding water and energy sustainability, key scientific research and
technological innovation of the country and the actions taken by the nongovernmental
organizations and private sector in dealing with the particular issue. There is also discussion
about exemplar projects undertaken in Australia. The Step 2 of the report gives a similar
overview of government regulation, scientific research and technological innovation and
actions of private sector and nongovernmental organizations related to energy and water
sustainability in United Arab Emirates (UAE). The third step of the report however compares
and contrasts the actions undertaken by each of the country on energy and water
sustainability thereby focusing on the reasons for difference in dealing with the issue, the
approach that is more successful and ways where one country can learn from the other.

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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................4
Step 1..........................................................................................................................................4
Government Regulation on Energy Sustainability.................................................................4
Key Scientific Research and Technological Innovation on Energy Sustainability................7
Actions of Non-Government Organisations and Private Sector on Energy Sustainability....8
Exemplar Projects on Energy Sustainability........................................................................10
Step 2........................................................................................................................................11
Government Regulation on Water Sustainability................................................................11
Key Scientific Research and Technological Innovation on Water Sustainability...............12
Actions of Non-government Organisations and Private Sector for Water Sustainability....13
Exemplar Projects on Water Sustainability..........................................................................15
STEP 3.....................................................................................................................................15
Comparison..........................................................................................................................15
Conclusion................................................................................................................................16
References:...............................................................................................................................17

3PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
Introduction
The report gives an overview of the comparison and contrast of how water
sustainability and energy sustainability has been addressed in Australia compared to Japan.
The comparison and contrast is however done following various steps. In the first step there
is a description of the government regulation in Australia regarding water and energy
sustainability. This step also describes about the key scientific research and technological
innovation of the country. There is also discussion about the actions and taken by the
nongovernmental organizations and private sector in ensuring water and energy
sustainability. The first step also describes exemplar projects undertaken in Australia related
to energy and water sustainability. The second step of the report gives a similar overview of
government regulation, scientific research and technological innovation and actions of private
sector and nongovernmental organization s related to energy and water sustainability in
United Arab Emirates (UAE). There is also a third step in the report that compares and
contrasts the actions undertaken by each country on energy and water sustainability where
focus is mainly on the reasons for difference in dealing with the issue, the approach that is
more successful and ways where one country can learn from the other.
Step 1
Government Regulation on Energy Sustainability
Australia
Sustainability of energy is necessary for the survival and development of human
beings. Industrialization is also dependent on energy. There has also been an increasing trend
in the global energy consumption due to population growth that leads to an increase in per
capita energy consumption (Hussey and Pittock 2012). Sustainability of energy is required as
there is no security of price stability of petroleum. There need for sustenance is also due to

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energy depletion and climatic influence. Energy however exists in renewable and non
renewable form. The non renewable forms include solar energy, biomass energy, ocean
energy, wind energy, hydropower energy, and geothermal energy. Sustainability of energy is
required as there is a limitation in energy derived from each of the source.
Thus the government imposed certain regulation on energy sustainability which is as
follows:
1. The government imposed a Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme where
reforms were undertaken based on renewable energy target that followed not only extensive
consultations but also careful considerations. The scheme also mentioned a new target for
energy generation on a large scale by the year 2020 will almost double renewable energy
production on a large scale in comparison to present levels. There is also a mention in the
scheme that by 2020 the Australia electricity generation will mostly be from the renewable
sources.
2. Establishment of Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) in the year 2012
in order to increase the affordability of renewable energy solutions so that there is an
increased supply of renewable energy in Australia. Until 2022, ARENA’s investment
amounts to $ 2.5 billion in projects that will not only fasten the commercialization of
renewable sources but at the same time will lead to a diversification in Australia’s energy
sources. ARENA lends their full support to any activities related to renewable energy through
its process of funding so that new technologies can be developed and there is an increase in
investor confidence.
3. There has been initiative taken to increase the solar power production by building
more plants.

5PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
4. The government also initiated regulation on wind energy with an outcome where
in 2015 wind firms were responsible for producing 33.7 percent clean supply of energy and at
the same time accounted for 4.9 percent electricity in Australia’s overall electricity. Thus, the
government made five wind firms operational by the year 2015. This increased the capacity
of the wind industry of Australia to 4187W. There were also under construction wind firm’s
that further add 365 MW once completed.
5. The Council of Australian Government(COAG) in the year 2008 agreed for the
development of a national strategy on energy efficiency for accelerating efforts for energy
efficient, streamlining responsibilities and roles across all government levels and also help
businesses and household to transit to low future carbon emission.
6. The government of Australia also mandated that appliances should have mandatory
Energy Rating Level (ERL). The appliances that must include ERL are air conditioner, cloth
dryers, clothes washers, computer monitors, television, freezers, refrigerators and
dishwashers.
UAE
Energy efficiency remains a challenge in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because of
high consumption rates, economic growth and growth in population (Asif 2016). However, to
address these problems the government has initiated certain regulatory measures for energy
sustainability that are follows:
1. The domestic electricity consumption of UAE is expected to have a rapid growth
therefore the Government have ensured development and implementation of an energy
efficiency strategies along with building a regulatory framework that will address the market
challenges and demand. The government has also taken initiatives for marketing campaigns

6PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
that will improve the consumption habits for energy and also promote research and
development initiatives.
2. The government also initiates comprehensive approach like use of smarter urban
electrical grids for energy substance in the long run, These grids not only enables one to
monitor usage over time but at the same time leads to effective ways for energy
consumptions.
3. The government also ensures sustainable and green construction where the key
design constraint is involves enhanced energy efficiency.
Key Scientific Research and Technological Innovation on Energy Sustainability
Australia
The research and innovation for energy sustainability in Australia involves (Faunce et. al
2013):
1. Development of Electricity Grids: Enhancing energy efficiency by development of
intelligent models that can not only change the way of energy transmission at home but also
in industry and buildings.
2. Development of Energy Storage: The technologies adopted for energy storage is a
cutting age one and make use of ceramic, heat and batteries.
3. Development of sustainable and efficient fossil fuel technologies. This allows safe
access and hence extraction of rich resources of Australia that includes coal, gas and oil.
4. Use of Hydraulic Fracturing: This is a method used mainly used by oil and gas
industry for increasing the total quantity of extracted gas and oil from reservoirs.

7PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
5. Making use of Solar Energy: This ensures making a stable source of power for the
future through next generation solar power cells and solar thermal systems.
UAE
The research and innovation for energy sustainability in UAE involves (Vidican et. al 2012):
1. Construction of Green Buildings: The construction of such buildings encourages
efficiency in energy consumption.
2. Encouraging Environmental Tourism: This involves tourism activities that are eco
friendly and leads to promotion and preservation of cultural heritage and also preserves
innate natural environment
3. By Ensuring Clean Energy: This involves undertaking initiatives that leads to
promotion of sustainable energy.
4. Ensuring Issue of Energy Awards: The Emirates Energy Award launched by the
Dubai Supreme Council of Energy helps in fostering conservation of energy and increasing
awareness.
5. Launching of Zero Energy Parks: Thus in order to reduce the consumption of
energy by 30 % by 2020, UAE has taken initiative of operation of eco-friendly parks that
operates independently by making use of solar panels.
Actions of Non-Government Organisations and Private Sector on Energy Sustainability
Australia
The actions taken by various non-governmental organizations on sustainability of
energy are as follows:

8PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
1. 100% Renewable Energy/Solar Citizens is a new project that is launched for
protection of the rights of Australians with solar power so as to reduce bill and creation of a
clean power.
2. Beyond Zero Emission Inc is a non profit education and research organization for
the implementing and designing an economy in Australia based on zero emission.
3. Citizen Own Renewable Energy Network Australia (CORENA) ( Portney 2013):
They are involved in the creation of movement powered by people for fast tracking
Australia’s renewable energy revolution of Australia.
4. Moreland Energy Foundation: This is a non profit organization that undertakes
research, consultation and community engagement for advocating energy efficiency
techniques, renewable energy and related policies and planning issues.
The actions taken by the private sector on sustainability of energy are as follows:
1. The private sector realizes the need for energy productivity through use of
renewable energy that leads to creating cost effective pathways. The private sector is also
stressing on the reduction of emissions of carbon.
2. The private sector is also incorporating means for affordable and clean energy so
that more people have access to energy means that are effective.
UAE
The actions taken by various non-governmental organizations on sustainability of
energy are as follows:
1. The nongovernmental organizations play a very important role in sustenance of
energy at an international level (Al-Amir and Abu-Hijleh 2013). These organizations

9PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
undertake campaigns that act as key drivers in regulating energy consumption and replacing
it with renewable energy.
2. Through aided advances in communication and information technology, these non
profit organizations also help to focus attention on the various environmental and social
externalities and also identify various renewable sources of energy that are cost effective and
beneficial.
The actions taken by the private sector on sustainability of energy are as follows:
1. The private sector plays a vital role in realizing that sustainability of energy helps
in achieving goals of sustainable development. This step not only helps in improving the
business environment but at the same time helps in market building.
2. The private sector also adopts means for corporate sustainability and innovation
through substance of energy. This is adopted by defining priorities, setting goals, integration
of sustainability into core governance and core business and communication and reporting.
Exemplar Projects on Energy Sustainability
Australia
The exemplar projects on energy sustainability are as follows:
The architects of the Australian Institute decided on rebuilding one of Australia’s
blue-chip pieces of real estate (Pierce and Paulos 2012). This was done for conceiving and
constructing a building which embody sustainable architecture in a multi-storey modern
commercial office building. This was known as the 41 Exemplar or 41X. The and far
reaching initiatives of the project is the attainment of a sustainability charter for all building
tenants. This case study however, describes how project team put forwards Institute’s vision
for rebuilding 41X. There is also a measure of quantity of carbon generated through

10PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
building’s embodied material emissions, transport, waste and operational energy. The case
study also enables us to look at how total carbon metric (TCM) tool helps in influencing the
design of the building and at the same time also helps in exploring the role the TCM on the
building’s Sustainability Charter.
UAE
The exemplar projects on energy sustainability are as follows:
Xeritown represents a 59 hectare mixed use development project which is to be built
in Dubai, UAE. The projects fall under the eco tourism category and include sports venues,
science attractions, retail hotels, resorts and theme parks (Sbia, Shahbaz and Hamdi 2014).
However, in spite of the extravagant commercial context, Xeritown master plan includes has
integrated approach towards sustainable development. In addition to this Xeritown’s master
plan also ensures equal emphasis on conservation of energy through passive design.
Step 2
Government Regulation on Water Sustainability
Australia
There is a scarcity of water in Australia due to insufficient supply in most urban areas
and degraded river systems. There is also greater loss of water through transmission and
evaporation (Hussey and Pittock 2012). Scarcity is also due to future climatic changes and
variability in rainfall. To prevent this government has undertaken certain regulation for
conservation of water which is follows:
1. The government initiated residential water efficiency programs that involved
subsidies for washing machines, toilets and showerheads that were energy efficient. Rebates

11PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
were also provided for rainwater tanks along with necessary advice provided on watering of
garden.
2. The government also undertook business, council and school water efficient
programs where businesses, schools and councils were provided advice to undertake and
identify ways that helped them use water in an efficient manner.
3. The government also undertook leak management program that reduced the annual
leakage of water from water supply of Sydney to about 24 gallons per year.
4. There were also water recycling programs undertaken by the government of
Australia that helped in recycling of water from time to time.
UAE
The first regulation for water sustainability in UAE's for keeping a tab on water
misuse is still under review and will get passed in a matter of 12 months. There was even no
revelation about the draft of the regulation (Wada and Bierkens 2014). The researchers are
however, insistent upon the fact that increased monitoring is required in the environmental
impacts of the UAE’s main water source.
The companies that organized their own distribution and production of water will also
fall under the regulation that will be passed. This has to be noted that misuse of water is a
major issue in UAE due to scarcity. Thus, there is no surplus water existent but however the
country has achieved ways in securing it providing the required supply.
Key Scientific Research and Technological Innovation on Water Sustainability
Australia

12PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
The scientific Research and Technological Innovation are as follows(Sivapalan et .al
2014):
1. Through agricultural water savings: This can be done through an appropriate
selection of species of crops, adopting efficient irrigation technologies, proper scheduling of
irrigation, harvesting of rain water and reusing water.
2. Improving household efficiency: This can be done through use of water efficient
showerheads, front loading washing machines, replacing 11 L single flush toiled with 6/3 L
dual flush toilet.
3. Connecting rain water tanks to toilets, washing machines and dishwashers
4. Ensure commercial water savings by adopting options for water saving and at the
same time identifying water leaks.
UAE
The scientific Research and Technological Innovation are as follows:
UAE has undertaken a programme known as the science of rain enhancement. The program
was launched by Ministry of Presidential Affairs with an aim for dealing and fighting against
water scarcity through the use of technology that stimulates rainfall. With a budget
availability of $5 million (Dh18.36m), the programme has attracted the interest from
researchers all over the world (Jamil, Ahmad and Jeon, 2016).
Actions of Non-government Organisations and Private Sector for Water Sustainability
Australia
The actions undertaken by nongovernmental organisations for Water Sustainability:

13PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
1. The nongovernmental organizations undertakes ground water drilling activities for
sustainability of water
2. The local also ensures in building had dug well and hand pumps for maintain water
sustenance.
3. They also undertake protection of spring resources and harvesting of rain water.
The actions undertaken by private sector for water sustainability:
The private sector in order to meet the scarcity of water is undertaking actions in
modernizing and expanding their sanitation and water infrastructure and thereby helping in
improving the efficiency of water systems. Thus an effective regulatory framework is
essential to make the most of private sector.
UAE
The actions undertaken by nongovernmental organisations for Water Sustainability:
The nongovernmental organization in UAE aims at providing awareness about water
conservation, offers various programs that deals with water conservation, utility reforms and
introduces non conventional resources of water.
The actions undertaken by private sector for water sustainability:
1. The private sector undertakes steps in promotion of water conservation and water
is a scarcity
2. The private sector also introduces new tariff based on a water meter.
3. Provides mass awareness on measures of water conservation.

14PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
4. Puts forward new methods for irrigation like subsurface drip irrigation
5. Undertakes actions for sufficient safe supply of drinking water.
Exemplar Projects on Water Sustainability
Australia
The exemplar project on Water Sustainability is as follows:
WGV by Land Corp is 2.1 hector infill developments in Fremantle suburb of White
Gum Valley. This is an ‘Innovation through Demonstration’ project that showcases design
excellence on various levels through incorporation of a range of diverse building types,
sensitive climate considerations and ensuring water management strategies.
UAE
The exemplar project on Water Sustainability is as follows:
The Royal Commission of Water, Jordan is a project implemented by Ministry of
Water and Irrigation (MWI) with the aim of reducing Jordan’s increasing levels of
unsustainable extraction of groundwater, development of an effective water resource
management system for wise water usage, cooperating with agencies on sustainable water
management projects and plans.

15PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
STEP 3
Comparison
Energy and Water are important for sustainable development. Therefore, conservation
or sustainability of energy and water is an important factor. That is why each of the countries
has undertaken necessary actions for energy and water sustainability in the best possible
manner. However, in Australia due to scarcity of water government has undertaken regulation
for water conservation while in UAE the laws for water sustainailibity are still under way.
UAE is also a water scarce country so it can take reference from the regulations in Australia
and make necessary changes or additions if required.
Conclusion
The report ends in the light by comparing and contrasting water sustainability and
energy sustainability in Australia and UAE. The report gives an overview of government
regulation, scientific research and technological innovation and actions of private sector and
nongovernmental organization related to energy and water sustainability in United Arab
Emirates (UAE). Keeping the same factors constant a similar overview is drawn for
Australia.

16PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
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renewable energy resource in the UAE. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 26,
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