New Water Conservation Projects for Industrial Sector Unveiled by Energy Services CEO

Abu Dhabi's Energy Giant Expands Industrial Water Recycling as UAE Accelerates Sustainability Drive

TAQA Services, the subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, is pioneering industrial water recycling projects while expanding energy retrofitting across government buildings, marking a strategic shift toward comprehensive resource efficiency that could reshape the UAE's industrial sustainability landscape. The company's first major industrial water treatment project with Al Ittihad Paper Mill demonstrates how Abu Dhabi is moving beyond traditional energy conservation to tackle water scarcity in resource-intensive industries.

Breakthrough Industrial Water Recovery Project

TAQA Services has launched trial operations for a groundbreaking water treatment facility at Al Ittihad Paper Mill, one of the region's largest paper manufacturing facilities with global export operations. The project addresses a critical challenge in paper manufacturing, which ranks among the most water-intensive industrial processes globally.

The mill consumes over 5,000 cubic meters of water daily, with approximately 3,200 cubic meters emerging as wastewater after mixing with various industrial chemicals during production. Previously, this water underwent basic treatment before disposal into sewage systems—a costly and environmentally problematic approach that many industrial facilities across the Gulf still employ.

Impressive Recovery Rates Signal Industry Transformation

Under the new partnership, TAQA Services will recycle 2,300 cubic meters daily—representing over 70% of the mill's wastewater and nearly 50% of its total water consumption. Currently in trial phase, the facility processes 1,500 cubic meters daily, with full capacity expected shortly.

These recovery rates exceed industry standards in developed markets, where 40-60% recycling rates are typical for paper manufacturing. The achievement positions Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in industrial water efficiency, potentially attracting investment from water-conscious multinational corporations seeking Middle Eastern operations bases.

Strategic Alignment with Abu Dhabi's 2030 Vision

The industrial expansion aligns with Abu Dhabi's Energy and Water Efficiency Strategy 2030, which targets 22% electricity consumption reduction and 32% water consumption decrease by 2030. These ambitious goals reflect the emirate's recognition that traditional energy diversification alone cannot address long-term sustainability challenges in an arid climate with growing industrial demands.

CEO Khalid Mohammed Al Qubaisi emphasized that this represents TAQA Services' first industrial water conservation project, signaling broader sectoral expansion beyond the company's established government building retrofitting programs.

Government Building Program Scales Rapidly

Simultaneously, TAQA Services continues expanding its government building retrofitting program, currently developing projects across approximately 40 government entities. The company achieves 20-40% energy consumption reductions through upgrading air conditioning, lighting, and water systems—improvements that typically pay for themselves within 3-5 years through utility savings.

This dual approach—government buildings and industrial facilities—creates a comprehensive efficiency ecosystem that could serve as a model for other Gulf states facing similar resource constraints.

Solar Integration Demonstrates Holistic Approach

TAQA Services recently completed a 9,000 kWp solar installation at UAE University, featuring 14,400 advanced solar panels across 84,000 square meters. The facility generates 18.7 million kWh annually, covering 30% of the university's electricity needs while reducing carbon emissions by over 8,000 tons yearly.

This represents the largest solar project at an educational institution in the region, demonstrating how Abu Dhabi combines renewable energy generation with efficiency improvements for maximum impact.

Market Implications and Regional Competition

TAQA Services' industrial expansion positions Abu Dhabi competitively against regional sustainability leaders like Saudi Arabia's NEOM project and Qatar's National Vision 2030. The company's integrated approach—combining energy efficiency, water recycling, and renewable generation—offers a replicable model for industrial zones across the Gulf.

For international investors, Abu Dhabi's proven ability to implement large-scale efficiency projects with measurable results provides confidence in the emirate's long-term industrial competitiveness. Companies facing increasing environmental regulations in home markets may find Abu Dhabi's advanced sustainability infrastructure increasingly attractive.

The success of the paper mill project could accelerate similar partnerships across Abu Dhabi's industrial sectors, from petrochemicals to food processing, potentially creating a new revenue stream for TAQA while establishing the UAE as the Gulf's industrial sustainability hub.