Overview of Water Energy Nexus of Abu Dhabi’s Power Sector-Energy Water Analysis of End Use Segment

Abstract

Energy and water are closely linked and dependent resources where energy production requires a large amount of water and in contrast huge amount of energy is needed to extract, treat, desalinate, transport and distribute water. Abu Dhabi provides a strong example of the interconnection between energy and water, where the majority of its electricity and water demand is jointly produced from cogeneration plants. The total cost of fuel used for cogeneration plants are heavily depending on the efficiency level of end-use energy and water consumption. Buildings are the major electricity and water consumers in Abu Dhabi, with 84.6 and 92.2 % respectively from the entire demand. In the case of Abu Dhabi; adopting the Estidama pearl rating system for all new constructed buildings will reduce water and energy consumption by considerable amounts. The aim of this study is to analyze the energy and water consumption reduction by implementing Estidama regulations and compare it with Business as Usual—the normal execution of things as they always do—for three sample buildings (villa, multistory residential and office building). The results of energy simulation and water analysis of the chosen buildings showed a potential of electricity reduction between 31 and 38 % and a potential of water reduction between 22 and 36 % depending on building type and other parameters. Also, a total monitory savings of 19 Billion AED can be achieved accumulatively over 10 years period (2011–2020) after Estidama regulations have been applied. In addition, 31.4 Million ton of CO₂eq cumulatively can be abated.