The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has announced the launch of the second phase of the “Demand Response (DR) Pilot Project”, in collaboration with Energy Pool as the DR Aggregator, and with the support of DoE’s DR Consultant, Guidehouse, as part of its commitment to enhancing energy efficiency and supporting the transition toward a flexible and sustainable energy system in the emirate.

The project aims to develop intelligent and integrated mechanisms for demand-side management by enabling major industrial and commercial facilities to actively participate in regulating electricity loads during peak periods. It is the first of its kind in the Gulf, Middle East, and North Africa region to rely on advanced digital solutions and modern energy management technologies to improve system flexibility and meet growing electricity needs with efficiency and sustainability.

The partnership agreement was signed by Eng. Ahmed Al Falasi, Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector at the Department of Energy, and Olivier Baud, President of Energy Pool, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

On this occasion, Ahmed Al Falasi emphasised that demand response is one of the key enablers in building a more flexible and efficient energy system.

He noted that the second phase of the project aims to expand participation and implement more advanced tools and technologies, which will enhance the capabilities of the energy system, reduce carbon emissions, and align with the goals of the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy 2030, ultimately contributing to achieving UAE Net Zero 2050.

Al Falasi added that the Department of Energy recognises the importance of public-private collaboration in driving innovation and implementing global best practices in energy management. He invited all industrial and commercial stakeholders in the emirate to join this pioneering initiative and contribute to building a sustainable and balanced energy future.

The project targets over 250 megawatts of flexible demand capacity through the participation of more than 30 leading industrial and commercial entities across the emirate. Through advanced technologies provided by Energy Pool, participants will be empowered to assess, aggregate, and activate their load reduction capabilities as a strategic tool to improve grid reliability and efficiency.

The scope of the project includes the installation of advanced energy management systems, performance monitoring, and measurement reporting, with potential integration into smart metering systems and the national dispatch system. The duration of the pilot is set at 12 months.

Energy Pool is a global energy technology company managing over 10 GW of capacity around the clock across multiple markets. It provides advanced software and service solutions to manage complex energy systems and balance supply and demand efficiently.

This pilot project marks a strategic milestone in Abu Dhabi’s efforts to lead the transition toward a sustainable energy future, combining innovation, flexible policy frameworks, and constructive cooperation between the public and private sectors.