Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has distributed 51 ‘D33 Industry Friendly Power Certificates’ to 24 companies in Dubai since the initiative began in January 2024. This program allows certified industrial customers, agri-tech enterprises, and data centers to install photovoltaic (PV) solar systems for internal use, potentially meeting up to 100% of their energy needs.
“We work 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 strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the top three economic cities in the world and to support the emirate’s direction towards a green economy based on innovation and sustainability,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA. He added that this initiative enhances Dubai’s appeal for industrial investment while supporting long-term economic growth and aligning with Dubai’s clean energy strategies.
Al Tayer also stated, “The D33 Industry Friendly Power Policy aims to empower the industrial sector and consolidate Dubai’s position as an attractive destination for industrial investments.” The policy enables manufacturers, data centers, and agri-tech entities to deploy solar PV generation capacity up to their total required load.
To benefit from this policy, companies must obtain a D33 eligibility certificate issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the Department of Finance, and DEWA. DEWA provides technical oversight through design reviews, grid connections, and real-time monitoring via smart control systems.
Power generated by D33 companies will be procured by DEWA at a flat rate of 10.5 fils/kWh under certain conditions. The policy also offers benefits such as priority access to I-REC purchases from DEWA, a 25% discount on new connection charges, and an interest-free credit facility allowing payments over two years from either the issuance of the connection fee statement or energisation date.
Details on terms and conditions can be found on DEWA’s website: https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/consumer/solar-community/d33-industry-friendly-power-policy
