Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) Discusses Ways to Develop the Role of the Water in Achieving Climate Goals in “Green Arab Summit” 2023
Etihad Water and Electricity Company (EtihadWE), a leading provider of sustainable Water and Electricity services in the UAE, participated in a panel discussion titled “The Role of Water in Helping to Achieve Climate Goals”, within the second edition of the "Green Arab Summit," held recently in Dubai.
Engineer Aaesha Saeed AlShehhi, Director of Water Production, highlighted key steps through which the water sector can contribute to sustainable green action on climate change and reducing the carbon footprint. These steps include updating demand and supply forecasts based on economic conditions, identifying relevant factors to minimize gaps and efficiently manage supply. She emphasized that water production using reverse osmosis is among the best desalination methods to reduce adverse climate impacts and serves as an optimal alternative to thermal ones. Etihad Water and Electricity Company is at the forefront of this field, committed to adopting and implementing the best global practices, operational technologies, and production methods aimed at reducing electricity consumption rates during operations, such as pressure exchange as energy recovery devices (ERDs), and variable frequency drives (VFDs), which have positively contributed to reducing the carbon footprint.
AlShehhi also discussed enhancing the water sector's role in tackling climate challenges through various pillars and mechanisms. This includes investing in new production plants that operate on renewable energy, particularly solar in all stages of the water cycle and where they are applicable. Additionally, it is crucial to limit excessive consumption of groundwater to preserve it as a strategic resource with consideration of climate change impact, particularly by the agricultural sector, the largest consumer. Utilizing treated wastewater, developing irrigation and agriculture systems, launching educational programs for farmers, and updating regulations and laws governing the sector to increase water consumption efficiency are also essential steps. Furthermore, establishing a water management information system (MIS) i.e., metering, monitoring, capture, processing and updating for all water subsectors and users linked to decision support and enhance information sharing is crucial.
From another perspective, AlShehhi emphasized the importance of raising awareness among students and youth about water issues and the significance of sustaining this vital resource. Integrating these topics into the education curriculum at all levels and launching awareness campaigns targeting all segments and sectors of society are essential, making optimal use of various communication channels, including social media platforms, alongside traditional written, auditory, and visual media, targeting social change instruments that lead to widespread culture where water resources are not wasted, polluted, or overused. Increasing the role of the private sector and its participation in the development and management of water sector to reduce the cost and increase water sector efficiency.