A unique project will see mosques in Abu Dhabi reduce their electricity bills by over 20 percent, saving CO2 that is equivalent to what is produced by more than 900 cars annually.
As part of the UAE’s strategy to conserve resources and rationalise consumption using the latest technology, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) and the General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments (AWQAF) are collaborating in the project.
The ADDC will invest approximately AED20 million ($5.45 million) in a project that will optimise air-conditioning (AC) equipment in 850 mosques in the Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra regions. Combined, these mosques serve over half a million worshippers.
Energy conservation in Abu Dhabi mosques
The project will reduce 20 percent of electricity consumption in these mosques, saving 26 gigawatt-hours of electricity and approximately 4,600 tonnes of CO2 annually – equivalent to taking more than 900 vehicles off the road for a year.
As part of the agreement, the ADDC will provide smart, programmable thermostats that can be monitored and controlled remotely to maintain optimal temperatures while keeping power consumption low and prolonging the life of the air-conditioning equipment.
The control system will also perform predictive maintenance activities using performance metrics to forecast maintenance needs, minimising major equipment failure and saving energy. In addition, a control room featuring advanced technology with live monitoring will be established at an AWQAF facility to keep track of equipment performance in all participating mosques while maintaining targeted consumption for long-term sustainability.
Saeed Mohammad Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of ADDC, said: “Our collaboration with AWQAF encompasses a comprehensive approach to use energy more efficiently in Abu Dhabi mosques. It is a testament to the potential of these types of projects in dramatically increasing energy efficiency and reducing the overall carbon footprint. With the right mix of expertise and innovation, the ADDC will continue to develop initiatives to facilitate a more sustainable future.”
Mohammed Saeed Al Neyadi, Director-General of AWQAF, affirmed the authority’s eagerness to upgrade mosques in accordance with the commandments of Islam. This includes providing a clean and comfortable environment for worshippers, utilising the latest technology available to improve services, and instituting regulations that ensure the effective management of mosques.
The ADDC’s partnership with AWQAF has already helped reduce the volume of water used for ablution in more than 600 mosques, an annual savings of approximately 700,000 cubic metres of water.
Abu Dhabi aims to reduce overall electricity consumption by 22 percent and water consumption by 32 percent in the emirate by 2030.
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