Energy conservation initiatives deliver results at DUBAL

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The ongoing commitment to energy conservation at Dubai Aluminium ("DUBAL") - the wholly state-owned enterprise that operates a one million metric tonne per annum primary aluminium smelter, one of the world's largest of its kind - continues apace, yielding good results. For example, as a member of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy ("DSCE"), DUBAL has whole-heartedly adopted the directives issued by H H Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum (President of Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman of Emirates Airline Group, and Chairman of DSCE) to all DSCE member companies regarding the measures which the Dubai Government is taking to minimize energy consumption in Dubai, in fulfilment of the Emirate's 2030 Energy Strategy. Through concerted efforts in this area, DUBAL saved 3,244,572 kWh in the three-month period from July to October 2011. This, together with the 2,263,605 kWh saved in the first three months of implementing the directives (i.e. April to June 2011), brings the total savings to date to 5,508,177 kWh within just six months. 

 

"The four 'quick wins' for energy conservation identified by the DSCE are proving effective at DUBAL," says Tayeb Al Awadhi (Vice President: Power & Desalination). "We have fully implemented the directive to set air-conditioning thermostats to 24°C during working hours and 27°C outside working hours; as well the directive to turn off all non-essential lights after working hours. We are also on track to achieve the third directive, namely to change to energy efficient lighting, where our internal target is 78 per cent of the changeover by year-end. Once this is complete, we'll be in a good position to achieve total energy-savings of 22,317,240 kWh per year by 2013."

 

Al Awadhi reiterates that the SCE directives complement DUBAL's continual quest to minimize the power consumption of its operations.  The company has implemented several energy-savings projects over the years while others are being considered for implementation in the near-term. Moreover, an energy-conscious culture is encouraged at all times through targeted communications using appropriate channels - including a dedicated category in DUBAL's well-established Suggestion Scheme.

 

"At DUBAL, being energy-conscious is an operating imperative for our long-term sustainability," asserts Al Awadhi. "We also consider it a vital component of our corporate responsibility: by lowering our power consumption, we can help minimize the rate of resource depletion; while simultaneously reducing the levels of greenhouse and other gases emitted to the atmosphere."  

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