The ongoing Dubai Global Energy Forum (DGEF) 2011, a major event on energy related issues, has unveiled a strategy which aims to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in energy consumption in Dubai by 2030.

The Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy for 2030 was announced by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy at the first DGEF, which opened yesterday (April 17) at Dubai World Trade Centre and will conclude tomorrow.

The UAE, being the highest energy exporter per capita, has a vision to become the lowest-carbon economy in the region by creating an environmentally-friendly and sustainable energy policy, a statement said.

Nejib Zaafrani, secretary general and CEO of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, said: 'The 2030 Integrated Energy Strategy sets the pace for both ensuring efficient use of energy resources and securing the supply of new ones, while minimizing the environmental impacts on the Emirate.”

“The plan is set to create second-to-none business opportunities for investments by both public and private parties, attract global expertise and know-how in energy management and drive a strong diversification of energy resources.”

“As a result of these endeavors, Dubai will eventually be able to position itself as a hub and leader in the field of sustainable energy, matching and even leading the way for the world’s best energy practices,” he added.

Over the last five years, the country’s energy demand will experience an annual growth rate of 10 per cent, Zaafrani said.

Current scenarios forecast an expected annual growth rate of five per cent over the next 20 years. To address this challenge of managing ever increasing energy demands, it has become of paramount importance to implement a new more efficient and sustainable energy policy that incorporates a diversified energy mix, he added.

“Today Dubai’s concentration is on gas but for 2030 we want gas to factor around 70 per cent of our energy resources and be complemented by other viable sources such as safer nuclear energy, clean coal, promising renewable energy technologies,” Zaafrani concluded. – TradeArabia News Service