EtihadWE, Ras Al Khaimah IDO to support the industrial sector

Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Investment and Development Office of (IDO) Ras Al Khaimah to explore the potential for providing preferential electricity tariffs to industrial customers in the Emirate.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Sheikh Khalid bin Saud Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah’s Investment and Development Office, and Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Water and Electricity.

The MoU forms part of EtihadWE’s strategic programme to support the industrial sector in the Northern Emirates and formalises the parties’ intention to negotiate a binding electricity bulk supply agreement (BSA) between EtihadWE and a nominee to be designated by IDO. It is expected that the BSA, once signed, will provide eligible industrial customers in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) with access to discounted electricity rates through a bulk aggregation mechanism.

Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity, commented: “This MoU with the Investment and Development Office of Ras Al Khaimah demonstrates our commitment to supporting the industrial sector in the Northern Emirates. By exploring opportunities to provide more competitive electricity pricing, we aim to contribute to a positive business environment, fostering economic growth and job creation in the region.”  “This has clear benefits for industrial businesses, their employees, and their customers; as well as for communities and the wider economy. This is a reflection of EtihadWE’s commitment to providing energy and supporting the growth of the national economy.”

Mr. Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, Managing Director of the Investment and Development Office of Ras Al Khaimah, stated: “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting businesses and driving growth in Ras Al Khaimah.  By exploring solutions that make energy more accessible and affordable, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for industries, their employees, and the wider community.”

Meanwhile earlier EtihadWE has partnered with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) on a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy in the Northern Emirates.

The Distributed Solar System (DSS) project enables EtihadWE customers to generate solar power through rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on their properties. This power will then be fed back into the grid, enhancing the overall supply of renewable energy.

Launched in July 2023, the project commenced with a feasibility study and assessment of the financial and technical impacts of connecting DSS to the grid. EtihadWE has developed regulations and technical guidelines for the systems in cooperation with MoEI.

As the certified installer, EtihadWE will provide approved contractors to install the solar panels, ensuring they comply with the latest safety standards.

Through the initiative, EtihadWE customers, including residential, industrial, and agricultural sectors, will be offered rooftop PV systems, allowing them to generate solar power.