Dubai Supreme Council of Energy discusses legislative and executive measures to regulate district cooling services and the LPG sector

Dubai, UAE, Technicalzoo, 30 May 2022: HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, chaired the 70^th meeting held virtually. HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, also participated.

The meeting was attended by HE Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and board members HE Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality; HE Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC); Juan-Pablo Freile, General Manager of Dubai Petroleum; and Nasser Abu Shehab, CEO of the Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector at the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).

The meeting discussed several topics, most notably the current situation of the petroleum derivative trading market after implementing the policies and procedures last year, which had a positive impact on improving safety practices and reducing risks. The procedures encouraged distributors to abide by the conditions approved by the Supreme Council of Energy. They also created a supportive organisational structure for the sector by unifying processes with distributors due to the cooperation of accredited national companies. The meeting also reviewed the regulation of district cooling services

“In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote the sustainable development and increase the share of clean and renewable energy through the use of green solutions, the meeting reviewed promoting innovative district cooling solutions that are more efficient with lower carbon emissions, compared to conventional central or regular cooling systems. In line with Directive No. 3 of 2021 issued by His Highness, the Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy on regulating Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) trading, a governance system was developed to regulate the LPG sector by encouraging distributors to abide by the laws. This had a positive impact on the sector,” said Al Tayer.

“The main objective of Directive No. 3 of 2021 was to outline the regulatory framework, strategies and regulations for the trading of LPG and its derivatives in Dubai, in accordance with the highest international standards in this regard. We also aim to regulate business practices and implement the highest international safety and security standards as well as ensure transportation, storage and distribution of LPG according to the approved criteria in the UAE,” added Al Tayer.

“During the meeting, the board members reviewed the Dubai Executive Council Resolution Number 6 of 2021 regulating the provision of district cooling services in Dubai. An additional set of measures have been approved to regulate district cooling services as well as the relationship between service providers and consumers to regulate this vital sector,” said Al Muhairbi.

“After holding consulting meetings with the relative entities, we have reached the final stages of the regulatory framework to improve the efficiency of district cooling plant operations and achieve optimal cost to ensure the happiness of customers in Dubai,” concluded Al Muhairbi.