The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has issued 51 ‘D33 Industry Friendly Power Certificates’ to 24 companies across the emirate since the launch of the initiative in January 2024, enabling qualified entities to install photovoltaic (PV) solar systems for self-consumption — potentially powering up to 100% of their energy needs.
The D33 initiative targets industrial manufacturers, data centres, and agri-tech firms, positioning Dubai as a clean energy innovation hub and supporting the broader Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050, which aim to transition the city’s total energy production to clean sources by mid-century.
“We work in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position Dubai among the world’s top three economic cities and to lead a green economy grounded in innovation and sustainability,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA. “The D33 Industry Friendly Power initiative strengthens Dubai’s appeal to industrial investors while promoting energy efficiency and environmentally responsible manufacturing.”
Captive Solar Generation Empowered by Policy Support
Under the D33 Industry Friendly Power Policy, certified companies are allowed to install solar PV systems up to their total connected load for internal energy use. DEWA provides full technical support, including system design reviews, grid integration, and real-time smart monitoring to ensure compliance with international operational and safety standards.
Energy generated by these on-site solar systems and fed into the grid will be compensated by DEWA at a flat rate of 10.5 fils per kilowatt-hour (kWh), subject to specific conditions. The policy further provides value-added incentives, including:
- A 25% discount on new connection charges
- Priority access to International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) from DEWA
- An interest-free payment plan for new connection fees, payable over two years from the energisation date or billing date
To benefit from the program, companies must obtain a D33 eligibility certificate jointly issued by DEWA, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and the Department of Finance.
Supporting Dubai’s Clean Energy and Economic Growth Vision
The initiative is a key component of Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, which seeks to double the emirate’s GDP over the next decade while embedding sustainability into the city’s industrial growth.
“The policy empowers the industrial sector and reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading destination for sustainable manufacturing and clean energy investment,” Al Tayer added.
With the policy now gaining momentum, DEWA expects continued uptake across eligible sectors, further aligning industrial energy consumption with Dubai’s carbon neutrality targets.
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