Abu Dhabi's bold 2030 plan slashes electricity and water use with solar incentives

Abu Dhabi has launched a new energy policy to cut electricity and water use by 2030. Businesses and residents can now apply for licences to install solar panels and battery storage through the TAMM portal. The move aims to reduce reliance on the grid and promote cleaner energy options.

The policy forms part of the Abu Dhabi Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy 2030. It targets a 22% drop in electricity consumption and a 32% reduction in water use compared to 2013 levels. Officials hope to shift energy demand to times when clean, affordable power is most available.

The first phase focuses on the agricultural sector, which uses large amounts of electricity. Customers can now invest in self-supply systems, such as solar panels with or without battery storage, or manage their energy use more efficiently. Solar-powered water heaters are also an option.

The Department of Energy will release detailed rules on metering, billing, and the application process. A guidance manual on high-efficiency appliances will also be provided to help households, businesses, and institutions save energy. As of February 2026, no official figures have been released on how many applications have been submitted since the policy's 2024 launch.

The scheme allows customers to choose between traditional grid power and flexible solutions. Options include distributed photovoltaics (DPV), battery storage, or load management to cut costs and emissions.

The policy encourages decentralised energy production and storage, reducing strain on the grid. Residents and businesses can now apply for solar panels and battery storage systems through the TAMM portal. Detailed guidelines and support materials will be issued to help participants adopt more efficient energy practices.